Nollywood veteran Antar Laniyan has shared the extraordinary story behind his birth and the origin of his name. In a recent interview, he revealed that his mother carried him for 18 months, far longer than a normal pregnancy. Her journey to bring him into the world was anything but ordinary.
Antar Laniyan’s Unusual Birth Story
During the interview on Behind The Fame, Laniyan spoke about the strange circumstances surrounding his birth. His mother was pregnant for 18 months, which caused concern among family and neigneighboursny believed the delay had spiritual causes, not medical ones.
To help induce labolaboure was advised to eat a creature known in Yoruba as “Anta,” a lizard-like animal believed to trigger childbirth. She agreed, and the dish was prepared. Amazingly, just one hour after eating it, she went into labour and gave birth to Antar.
The Origin of The Name “Antar “
Because of this rare experience, his mother named him after the creature that helped bring him into the world. His original name was “Anta.” However, during primary school, classmates teased him about it. To avoid embarrassment, he added an “R,” changing the name to Antar, the version known today.
Laniyan said he enjoys sharing this story because it honours his mother’s sacrifice. He wants people to understand the value of maternal love and the strength it takes to bring a child into the world.
Conclusion
Antar Laniyan’s birth story and name origin add a personal touch to his public image. Beyond his successful career in Nollywood, this tale shows the deep bond between mother and child. It also highlights cultural traditions and the meaning behind names.
This story reminds us that every name carries history, emotion, and identity. Antar’s journey into the world continues to inspire and connect with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
