Antar Babatunde Laniyan, popularly known as Antar Laniyan, is a veteran Nigerian actor, film producer, and director with a career spanning several decades. Celebrated for his versatility and commanding performances in both Yoruba-language productions and Nollywood blockbusters, he remains a towering presence in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Born in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, Laniyan honed his craft academically by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from the prestigious University of Ibadan, after completing his secondary education at Baptist Secondary School in Lagos. He began his artistic journey in 1976 in stage drama and later turned professional in 1981 under the mentorship of the renowned playwright Ben Tomoloju, also known as “Pappy Ben”.

Antar’s breakout role saw him portraying a major general in the film Everybody Wants to Know, during his tenure with the Kakaki Art Squad, setting the stage for his future successes. He notably featured in the historical epic Sango, scripted by Wale Ogunyemi and produced by Obafemi Lasode, which remains one of his most iconic film credits.

Branching into television direction, Laniyan directed the very first episode of the legendary Nigerian soap opera Super Story (2000), produced by Wale Adenuga, a landmark moment in his career. He also directed other notable Wale Adenuga Productions works, including Oh Father Oh Daughter and This Life.

Over the years, he has remained a prolific figure in Nollywood, starring in productions such as The Return of Jenifa (2011), Kakanfo (2020), The Cleanser (2021), Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper (2022), Covenant (2022 TV Series), and IGE – The Unlikely Oil Merchant (2023).

Laniyan’s contributions have earned him admiration as one of the most respected actors across Yoruba cinema and Nollywood at large, cementing his legacy as a Nollywood legend and a true Yoruba cinema icon.