Veteran Kannywood actor, Alhaji Shehu Hassan Kano, has voiced concern over the direction modern filmmakers are taking, warning that the industry is gradually straying from its original purpose.

Hassan Kano made these remarks during Kannywood a Yau, a weekly SolaceBase TV’s program.

Speaking with passion and experience, Shehu, who is also a civil servant, urged filmmakers to stay true to the core values of the industry by using film as a tool for cultural preservation and positive societal development.

“I believe that some of our successors have deviated from the initial purpose of filmmaking, which is disheartening,” he said. “Film represents the culture and tradition of a people and promotes their way of life. Indian films, for example, showcase their ideology, culture, and tradition—and they’ve succeeded in gaining global support.”

A native of Fagge Local Government Area in Kano State, Shehu has enjoyed a distinguished career in the entertainment industry spanning more than three decades. Born 57 years ago, he received his entire education—from Qur’anic school to tertiary level—within Kano State.

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His passion for acting began in primary school, and in 1979, he was selected to appear on the popular NTA children’s program Maraba da Yara, where he developed his acting skills.

He fondly recalled the thrill of meeting veteran actor Sharif Lawal Adam, famously known as Karo da Goma, at the NTA station—a memory that left a lasting impact on him.

Shehu transitioned from stage, radio, and television drama into film around 1990.

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One of his early successes was In da so da kauna, a Kannywood film that gained widespread acclaim and was screened in cinemas across Nigeria and neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

He revealed that he once kept detailed records of every film he acted in—documenting the production company, his role, and his payment. Before losing track about 15 years ago, he had recorded over 600 film appearances.

Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Shehu acknowledged the numerous challenges actors have faced, including religious, social, and governmental criticisms. “We were once widely accepted, but over time, attitudes shifted,” he said. “Despite the challenges, we achieved a lot—cars, homes, marriages. Film gave us everything.”

As Kannywood continues to evolve, Shehu called on young actors and industry stakeholders to pursue knowledge, emphasizing its importance in honing their craft and understanding the role of film in society. “Knowledge is the backbone of life,” he stated. “It helps actors, producers, and viewers alike to appreciate the true depth of filmmaking.”