Yomi Fash Lanso, no doubt has been able to carve a niche for himself as a thespian, and the father of three is not showing any sign of tiredness as he’s also been able to maintain relevance in the make believe world till date, even as some others are losing grip of their games and as such fading off. In the bid to find out the secret of his success, Fash Lanso in this interview with ORUKPE NELSON opened up on his strength in a form he’s never been seen. He also spoke about his fame, women and sundry issues.  

What was it like for you to have featured in Dazzling Mirage from Main Frame Production, judging from the fact that actors look forward to working with them?

Taking part in Main Frame Production, titled ‘Dazzling Mirage’, is a big experience for me, judging by the trademark of this film company and that of the head of the production outfit in person of TundeKelani, who has come a long way in the film industry that we don’t have yet in Nigeria anyway. What I am trying to say is that let us assume we want to talk about film industry, Tunde Kelani can never be toyed with because he has done a lot, so, working with him is a huge experience that will be a memorable one for me.

Are there things you would say you learnt from him?

Yes, I learnt so much. Starting from the story itself, what it teaches, and the direction of the story. Also, having him behind the camera is huge one. I can’t begin to share all I learnt but I can tell you I did tap into his wealth of knowledge.

Is there anything you would say working in that product has added unto your brand?

I would say working with Tunde Kelani would automatically give any actor additional leverage because he does not run your everyday film production company. His trademark is there, so, if you work with or you are part of his cast, I believe it will add to your resume.

What would you say has made you relevant in the industry over the years?

I would say constituency, not speed, because constituency and speed are two different things. I conform to constituency, and that is the essence of every brand. The ability to be visible and be there positively. When you are there and you are making impact and not being there just because you want to be there. Examine the reason behind your action, ask yourself why you want to be part of a production, what leverage is it going to give me? And if you are not convinced enough to be involved, then, don’t do it.

Having got to this level, what is it you are looking at as an actor?

There is this thing that is called method acting and I think it might soon be coming to play via my films. Method acting is what I really crave for but unfortunately we are not at that level, probably because of the time frame which we used to produce our films. It’s one area that is very challenging. For instance, before Spike Lee could get Harley Berry into that while role in Jungle Fever, Harley Berry stopped taking her bath for like two weeks to really look like a while. So, for me, I think that is the next level.

How have you been able to move with the trend, considering emerging of new kids in the blog?

That is a matter of getting yourself trained ceaselessly. I would say everyone is an actor but we are called professional actors because we get paid. Also, I take note of things around me, how people react to issue, so, by these I am training myself. I try to see making of movies and do study generally because you need to do all that to be in form because what is obtainable this year might not be next year so you need to always be on your toes and ready to learn.

Recently, in the spate of weeks, you bought Prado Jeep and Toyota saloon. What is the source of this new found wealth?

My response is that I don’t do any other thing aside acting, at the moment. I would say it is determination that makes things work out. People would not know the stress and all you go through to work towards getting something but when they see it, they feel it has been bed of roses.

Have you ever had crush on any actress?

Crush… I think Bimbo Oshin. She’s one girl I really admire because of her ways.

Why did you not take it further with her?

Yea, one thing I would say I was fond of until I got my wife was that when I like a girl, I would take time to examine to be sure it was not lust, so, I would not go and mess up the relationship. I never messed up a relationship up till when I married my wife, I never did. So, maybe I would say that why I did not go for her, but I did have crush on her. We are both married now but we used to joke about it.

What is the weirdest thing a female fan has done to you?

That’s a serious one. On this day, we went to a friend’s birthday party at a club in Ikeja G.R.A and I and my friends used just one car since we were going to the same place. While the fun was on, one of my friends came to tell me that see wetin one girl dey talk o, and before we knew it, the girl had come and she said it publicly that I must sleep with her. As if that was not enough, she started making funny advances….I had to use a fast one on her and disappear to go and hide in the car, because, she was serious about it. So, I think that is the craziest thing I have seen.

Out of the roles you have played, which one do you consider most taxing?

No role that comes to me is not challenging, there is role that is minute. I don’t see any role as more taxing and may be it is the approach to my character. For instance, as a lover boy, you must be able to provide some characteristics to the name that will make it different from the one you have done before, that is the way I see it, so no role that comes to me is cheap. I take every role I get very seriously.

When you are paired on set, does that bring the best out of you?

It’s simple. When you are working with a professional actor; you will flow, the thing will come out but when you are paired with a green horn, it kills your mood.

Who really is YomiFash when he’s not acting?

Fash is really a fun-loving person. I like to be with my friends to discuss and forget about all the troubles of life. I also like to spend time with my family when I am not on set. I want to believe he’s just the guy next door. I am a very shy person so I like to keep my head cool and I try to be nice to people because I don’t like having enemies.

But some are of the opinion that you are arrogant?

That accusation is not new to me but so many people can testify to it that I am not like that. The problem with those who think I am arrogant is that they are not close to you, they don’t know you very well, so they just jump into conclusion. I try as much as possible to be nice to my admirers, even when my mood is not too bright but they don’t realize that….some of them want you to idolize them claiming they are the one that buy your film so they expect so much, forgetting we too are people’s husbands, wives and so we deserve some respect. You can imagine a scenario where someone meets you at a bar and he paid for your order, and this person now sees you elsewhere tomorrow and he goes like hey Fash…come, ordering you because he paid for your drink or something….do you understand? The case was not that you don’t have the money but he volunteered and you now say no to such moves and they will say Fash is arrogant.

You have been able to live off scandal, how have you sustained it?

I will say it’s contentment because when you have contentment you have everything. And secondly, you don’t allow fame to get into your head because by the time you allow fame to control you or get to your head then it could spell doom.

Do you get carried away acting romantic roles?

That will be very unprofessional of me. In fact, it will not happen to a normal person…apologies for that. But sincerely, it cannot happen to me because we have the camera men around, D.O.P, director and the rest of the crew, so you only act and get off.

What is usually your wife’s reaction when you watch a romance you did together?

Before now, she would complain about how I kissed a girl and all that but she now handles such with much maturity. She now understands better.

How do you maintain your looks?

I don’t do anything more than usual to achieve it. I just do everything in moderation and I thank God the little I do is yielding result.

You are a fashionable person. Where did you get that from?

First, I will say DNA, may be I got that from my father and my mother. And I think I am also very interested in what I wear…I may not be keen on designer but whatever that fits me.

Would you consider going into politics any time soon, that seems to be one of the trends among actors?

I would not rule it out because if we keep saying they don’t do it right and you and I have got one or two ideas…then why don’t we try to get there and inject these ideas and make the country a better place. One thing we all know is that this country is in bad shape even with all the natural resources we are blessed with.