Hank Anuku, Nollywood actor, is not only associated with the role of the bad guy in the movie industry, he is an actor that abandons his jeeps to ride on heavy racing motor bikes on the streets of Lagos. Hank was living in the United States of America before returning to Nigeria. Although his accent is American, he is deeply rooted in the African culture and cherishes his people. He bares his mind on several issues including his relationships with women. Excerpts:

WHEN did you begin your acting career and how did you enter the entertainment industry?

I always told people that I started from heaven because that was where my father and Creator is. This dates back to many years ago. I don't know the exact date.

Did you begin your acting here in Nigeria or overseas?

I have done some stuff overseas before I came here. When I came home on vacation years ago, I met Regina Askia and she asked me to do some work with her. Earlier, I did an Igbo freak called The Skeleton with Mr. Fidelis Duka.

How old are you now?

Every body knows I am as old as Methuselah.

Above 40 like me?

I believe that people should know how old I am in Nigeria because in other countries, I may be older, who knows?

Where were you born?

I was born in Ibadan many years ago.

Where did you begin your formal education and which schools did you attend?

I went to Loyola College, Ibadan, and Auchi Polytechnic.

When did you leave Auchi Polytechnic?

I left in 1981.

You left for the United States afterwards?

I had always been in the States before I got back to Nigeria. It is just that when my parents were moving in those days, I also moved around with them.

What work were your parents doing that made them to move around?

My father was a first republic minister in Western Region with the portfolio of economic planning under the Action Group government.

Any memory of your father's relationship with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the premier of Western Region at that time?

My father had always been in Action Group and when the UPN came up, Chief Awolowo went to our village to look for my father. There, he was given the news that my father had passed on. He had to cancel his campaign that day because my father was the link of Chief Awolowo in Ikaland.

Where did you live in the United States ?

I lived in Atlanta, Georgia, Sayville, North Dakota went around the States as well - you know - globe trotting. I just like adventure, that's it.

Give us an insight into some of your productions?

To God be the glory, we have the Sanatorium, My Love, Desperadoes, Broad Daylight and many other best sellers.

Some of those who watch your movies claim you play tough roles, and you are probably a tough guy?
People can play what they want to play. Some can say I play the tough role. But I play the role a chameleon plays. Any kind of thing, any kind of colour, any kind of name. I play any role.

You are in the spotlight in the movie industry. People look at you, especially women. Aren't these women tempting at times?

Yes, that's why I told you I came from heaven. I didn't come into the movie industry for women. I came to build up the children, to make them comfortable and to let the light shine upon them.

What advice will you give to young up-coming artistes in the movie industry?

I am going to tell them to be prayerful and have their feet rooted in good soil so that they don't lose their mustard seed. I have to tell them to understand that there is no need to back bite or murmur or be jealous of one another because everybody is a star. God created us as equals in his sight. There is no cheating.