Acting is not something confined to the stage or screen for Beena R. Chandran. The State Film Award winner for Best Actor (Female) in 2023 for her outstanding portrayal in Fazil Razak’s “Thadavu” credits her roots in theater and her career as a school teacher for honing her acting skills.
Beena R. Chandran, an educator at CEUP School, Parudur in Palakkad district, uses her acting prowess as a unique pedagogical tool to engage her students. Winning the prestigious award has certainly been a thrill, but it has not distanced her from her nurturing role in theatre. Just hours after receiving the accolade, Beena took to the stage for a 40-minute solo play titled “Otta Njaval Maram,” performed for Kalapadasala, Arangottukara, a theatre group she has been associated with for years.
Beena recounts her long-standing association with amateur theatre groups since her school days. “I have been part of amateur theatre groups since my school days. My skills have been honed through acting in these dramas over the years. In the school where I teach, we have a children’s theatre. I teach English and Malayalam through skits and other performances because these are found to be more effective in conveying ideas to the children. For the past 28 years, I have been in the teaching profession, and I have just two more years to retire,” says Ms. Chandran during an interview with The Hindu.
Her transition from the school stage to the silver screen was marked with various small roles in films by directors P.P. Sudevan and M.G. Sasi. However, it was Fazil Razak who saw her potential and signed her for a couple of short films, which eventually won awards. Yet, stepping into the shoes of her character Geetha in “Thadavu” was a significantly different challenge.
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In “Thadavu,” Geetha is a woman scarred by two failed marriages and burdened by a series of unfortunate events, including being wrongfully blamed for a child’s death. The character of Geetha is complex, with both resilient and flawed traits, making it one that doesn’t easily attract sympathy. For Beena, bringing a unique and believable portrayal of Geetha was crucial. “I was a bit scared after reading the script because Fazil’s debut film depended much on how I performed this character too. I did a lot of homework as I wanted to bring a level of uniqueness to the performance. For instance, I tried a lot to ensure that the way I cried did not look like a copy of any other actor’s,” she shares.
This diligent approach paid off, earning her the State Film Award, which she jointly shares with veteran actress Urvashi, who won it for her performance in “Ullozhukku.” This marks a record-equalling sixth win for Urvashi.
Beyond her awarded performance, Beena sees acting as a way to enhance her teaching techniques. At CEUP School, she incorporates drama into her language lessons to make learning English and Malayalam more engaging and effective. “Theatrical methods work wonders in the classroom. Children find it easier to grasp complicated concepts when they are presented in a dramatic form,” she opines.
Her unpretentious nature and dedication to her craft make Beena a person worth celebrating. Her interaction with students, dedication toward theatre, and a deep passion for acting speak volumes about her multifaceted persona. “Despite this recognition, I am still very much a teacher at heart,” she emphasizes.
This occasion also shines a light on the role of the arts in education. Beena’s story exemplifies how the elements of theatre and acting can deeply enrich the educational experience, making difficult concepts accessible and learning an enjoyable process.
With only two more years left before retiring from her teaching career, Beena continues to impact the lives of her students while nurturing her own passion for acting. Her story is not only a testament to her remarkable talent but also an inspiration to many who balance multiple roles and still manage to excel.
Looking ahead, it is clear that whether she is on stage, on screen, or in the classroom, Beena R. Chandran will continue to leave her mark, captivating hearts and minds alike.
