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Popular Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninalowo, has opened up about his decision to step back from the movie industry to prioritize his role as a father.

In an interview with Potpourri, the actor reflected on Nigeria’s audition culture, the state of Nollywood, and why he chose to shift his focus to his children. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

On Nollywood’s Audition System
Ninalowo questioned the need for auditions when it comes to lead roles, insisting that filmmakers should already know which actors fit their projects before production begins.

"I can’t even remember the last time I auditioned in Nigeria,” he said.
“Even abroad, when scripts are written, producers usually know the actors they want, as well as possible substitutes. If you’re a filmmaker and still uncertain about who fits your lead role, then you have a problem.”

He, however, admitted that auditions might still be necessary for minor and supporting roles.

Why He Took a Break from Nollywood
Speaking on his career pause, Ninalowo revealed that his family obligations now take priority. With his daughter now 19 and his son 17, he believes this stage of their lives requires his full attention.

“My kids are in college now, and I feel this is the most crucial age to be present, teaching them about life and supporting their decisions,” he explained.

The actor emphasized that while he once dominated Nollywood screens, his greatest achievement will always be raising responsible children.

“There was a time I was in almost every movie, and that was what mattered then. But today, my kids need me more. My legacy is my children, not the films I make,” he said.

Legacy Beyond the Screen
For Ninalowo, the decision reflects a deliberate sacrifice—choosing family over fame. While fans may miss his frequent appearances on screen, the actor insists that being there for his children during their formative years is his most important role yet.

https://eyesoflagos.com/why-i-stepped-back-from-nollywood-to-focus-on-my-children-bolanle-ninalowo/

cc: Mynd44 , Nlfpmod , Seun

Can't the two roles run concurrently?

I mean a man can still work and still support the kids, especially grown ups.

Man must have some cool cash or source somewhere.

LibertyRep:
Can't the two roles run concurrently?

I mean a man can still work and still support the kids, especially grown ups.

Man must have some cool cash or source somewhere.

Did he look.like he was broke to you? Don't you think he have another source of income

It's his choice to make... Family over any other thing

That's a good decision.
The kids are grown now.
Though this dude is very lucky he got really respectful kids.
And they are very smart too.

He still works but not acting that requires him travelling, he can still do voice over, studio works and the likes, work on projects that just need him behind the scene also he can write script etc.

lagostrendboy:
https://eyesoflagos.com/why-i-stepped-back-from-nollywood-to-focus-on-my-children-bolanle-ninalowo/

cc: Mynd44 , Nlfpmod , Seun

Abi the money not flowing as expected, we read several of your colleagues that Japa to obodo oyinbo, to do odd jobs. And many more who came out publicly to lament hardships and how they are homeless. In movies industry, while you might be popular, it's not necessarily translate to be wealthy.

Urs is not the first and definitely won't be the last.

Good decision but at the same time, you can be like Mr. Phenomenal

That’s a truly admirable decision 👏. Family is everything, and prioritizing fatherhood shows real strength and wisdom. Wishing him the very best on this new chapter 🙌❤️

The divorce process may be having a toll on him. I hope he gets back with his wife. He seems to have a lovely family.

Sonnobax15:

Imagine a father pausing his career to focus on his kids..... Indeed a father's love is second to none........ Something that most Nigerian bannies will never think of let alone doing

Make we no hear him crying on social media for help of any kind
You can't stop what you do for a living just to focus on your family and when reality hit him , he will start crying for help

Best of luck to him




25 more characters needed for what??

He left the screen to go and be washing plates in the kitchen for his children?

Many people might claim he put his career on hold, but they overlook the fact that he manages businesses to support his family. I just want to remind you of this before you start thinking like a crowd.

I thought they said he's working on some Hollywood movies

Sonnobax15:

Imagine a father pausing his career to focus on his kids..... Indeed a father's love is second to none........ Something that most Nigerian bannies will never think of let alone doing

Am not clear why his job is not as important as his family! These Nigerian celebs or screen jobs can be confusing ! They tend to always paint a gloomy future for others while their own income is still from same or are they not always considering they are speaking in public?

His kids are in the united states, his work is in the Nigeria, how do you want him to cope with the distance knowing that him and his wife are separated, so he now has more responsibilities on his hands

LibertyRep:
Can't the two roles run concurrently?

I mean a man can still work and still support the kids, especially grown ups.

Man must have some cool cash or source somewhere.

LOL
Auditions aren’t only for minor and supporting roles brother.

Henry Cavill auditioned before becoming Man of steel, Chris Hemsworth auditioned for Thor.

Robert Pattinson auditioned for Batman.

Nigeria's version of Johnny Bravo....
Make Seun Osewa add the remaining characters.... me don tire🥱

LibertyRep:
Can't the two roles run concurrently?

I mean a man can still work and still support the kids, especially grown ups.

Man must have some cool cash or source somewhere.

please, what does the topic say?

did it say anything about support?

is it not his children and is it not his job?

or do you have a personal stake in his job and in his children?

Kids at 19 and 17...

What, they need to be worn Pampers?

If they were younger I would have understood.

19 years is no kid... even 17. The foundation of what he taught them as kids in their formative years is what is supposed to be carrying them at this stage.


It's now he wants to babysit them?

sleek214:
I thought they said he's working on some Hollywood movies

Na who wan dash am Hollywood role??
Abegi!!!

Na Seun Osewa go still add the remaining characters to this post sef

Whr is their mother? U ve other source of income dats y. Leave all ur source of income let c something.

Makanaky.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

LibertyRep:
Can't the two roles run concurrently?

I mean a man can still work and still support the kids, especially grown ups.

Man must have some cool cash or source somewhere.

Baba don plan for rainy days.
It's obvious he already thought and planned for such days through series of investment and perhaps other streams of income.

Smart work over hard work.

Nice decision, family over money
How many characters remain

LibertyRep:
Can't the two roles run concurrently?

I mean a man can still work and still support the kids, especially grown ups.

Man must have some cool cash or source somewhere.

what's the essence of having money and having children who keep soiling your name like those ones shaking yansh on tiktok