Nollywood actor and director Antar Laniyan has shared a remarkable story behind his name and the extraordinary circumstances surrounding his birth, a tale that continues to capture the fascination of fans and aspiring actors alike. In a recent appearance on Behind the Fame, Laniyan recounted how his birth was delayed, an unusual occurrence that left his family anxious and searching for answers when medical interventions proved futile.
According to the veteran actor, he remained in his mother’s womb for an astonishing 18 months, a delay that caused fear among relatives. With hospitals unable to provide solutions, his family sought traditional advice, which ultimately led to the extraordinary event that inspired his name. Laniyan explained that his mother was instructed to consume a creature called Anta, described in Yoruba as smaller than a crocodile but shaped like a lizard. Remarkably, after following this guidance, he was born within an hour.
“She was advised to eat Anta, and after eating it, I was born within an hour. So my mother didn’t see anything wrong with adding that thing to my name,” Laniyan revealed. The unique name, however, did not escape the teasing of schoolchildren. In primary school, he decided to modify the spelling, adding an "R" to become Antar, a subtle change that gave him a stronger sense of identity.
Beyond the uniqueness of his name, Laniyan reflects on the story as a reminder of the sacrifices mothers endure and the often-unseen struggles of childbirth. “There’s a story behind it, and I like telling it at times because I want every individual to know the importance of having a mother: a good mother, a great one,” he said. He emphasized that understanding the lengths mothers go to bring life into the world evokes deep gratitude and respect.
Laniyan’s journey in the entertainment industry began in 1981, following his studies in Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan. Over the decades, he has featured in numerous notable productions and directed the first episode of Wale Adenuga’s Super Story in 2000. Despite a thriving career, he has been intentional about maintaining a strong family presence.
In a 2018 interview, Laniyan shared insights into balancing his demanding acting schedule with family life. He stressed that fatherhood instilled in him a heightened sense of responsibility and the need to remain actively involved in his children’s lives. Despite the pressures of film projects, he deliberately carved out time for his wife and children, a practice guided by the discipline instilled by his own father.
“I relied on discipline learned from my father to raise my children, preferring dialogue over physical punishment,” he said. Laniyan also maintained a personal diary to plan his commitments, ensuring he could rest and spend quality time with his family whenever he was off set. His approach underscores a vital lesson for all working parents: dedication to one’s craft should never overshadow the equally important duty of nurturing a family.
Antar Laniyan’s story is more than just an intriguing tale of an unusual birth—it is a testament to resilience, tradition, and the profound influence of mothers, reminding us that behind every name and every life, there is a story worth telling.