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In an entertainment industry often riddled with controversy and constant public scrutiny, Nollywood actress and filmmaker Aisha Lawal has successfully managed to build a reputable career devoid of scandals. Known for her versatility on screen and her passion behind the camera, Aisha’s rise in Nollywood is marked by talent, intentionality, and a firm grip on her personal boundaries.
In a recent interview, the Yoruba movie star opened up on how she’s managed to stay grounded and maintain a private life, despite being in an industry where the lines between public and personal often blur.
For Aisha, the secret lies in deliberately choosing what part of her life to share and what to keep sacred.
“I try to stay away from social media as much as possible. I don’t seek validation from others. What you think of me doesn’t define me; if you think I’m poor, that’s alright,” she said.
Her firm stance on keeping her personal life off social media, including her husband and siblings, is not just about privacy but peace of mind.
“We don’t live for social media; we live for ourselves,” she added. “It’s a matter of choice. A friend once asked if I don’t feel the urge to share more about my personal life, and I told them no. I value my peace, and I protect it.”
The conversation also touched on the recurring criticism Nollywood receives for repeatedly casting the same faces in films. Aisha didn’t mince words in defending the practice, highlighting the importance of balancing experience with emerging talent.
“Will those criticizing be happy if they were sacked from their offices just because fresh graduates need jobs?” she asked pointedly. “The beauty of Nollywood is combining new generation actors with the medium and older generation. There are certain roles that only veterans can deliver.”
While she acknowledged that casting should be logical and age-appropriate, she emphasized that experience cannot be replaced by novelty alone. “You can’t bring someone who just graduated to play the role of a village elder. If you use Femi Adebayo as a university boy, that’s wrong. But Gabriel Afolayan? He can still pass for that with his youthful look.”
On rumours that she took a break from the movie scene, Aisha clarified that it was a personal decision to focus on motherhood and realign her career goals.
“I didn’t take a break from acting,” she said. “I went to have my children. I intentionally stepped back from YouTube projects because I wanted to carve a niche for my brand. My focus is now on the big screen.”
