John Githui, popularly known as Ras from Mother-in-law drama series, has been on the screens for years since the late 1990s.
He however stopped featuring in Mother-in-law in the recent years with fans wondering where he disappeared to.
In a recent interview with a local media house, Ras said that he chose to leave the show because he felt that he was no longer making progress.
“You can stay somewhere for a long time and there are no changes. The changes you see is backsliding instead of moving forward,” he explained. “I didn’t see the need of making a lot of noise and all it takes is me to decide and leave my comfort zone or stay, so I left. When I left, I laid back and watched my life and how art was progressing.”
After leaving the popular show, he did not have plans of joining another show.
Additional factors that contributed to his departure from the screen are frustrations from production companies and too much expectations from the audience.
He has however been engaged in several projects since leaving mother-in-law such as environmental conservation, business and social media. He also currently works at a carwash.
“I am working. Car wash is a side hustle. The owner of the car wash is a friend of mine and I use that time to get on TikTok live to talk to my audience. I also earn commission if I bring customers,” he said.
He is engaged in film production but not as an actor. Together with his team, they have an upcoming project.
“Am still in production but I have just put acting aside. I want to try my hands on writing and directing. I am neither dead physically nor artistically,” he stressed the fact that he was born an artist.
Lessons about fame and humility
“This should to the upcoming actors, producers and directors. When you start being famous, don’t ignore people’s calls because you have made it, you are yet to make,” Ras advised.
“I have learnt that with humility you will learn a lot and that will project you to the next step of what you want to do but don’t take the place you are in as a comfort zone. Keep focusing ahead,” the actor added.
Ras further noted that artists need to be smart in terms of contractual agreements and securing their artistry.
“There are productions we have been doing for 10 years but you haven’t signed a contract for 10 years, we only sign for one episode, meaning when the episode is done if you want to kill my character in tomorrow’s episode because of a misunderstanding with a director you just kill me,” he said.
