Beena R. Chandran has proven that acting isn’t confined to the stage or screen. The talented school teacher has won the State Film Award for Best Actor (Female) in 2023 for her excellent performance in Fazil Razak’s film “Thadavu.” Beyond being an accomplished actress, Ms. Chandran integrates her acting skills into her teaching methods at CEUP School in Parudur, located within the Palakkad district.
In an exclusive interview, Beena shared, “Acting is an incredible tool to impart lessons. I use various dramatic elements, such as skits, to teach English and Malayalam, which proves to be more effective in conveying ideas to children.” Having served in the teaching profession for the past 28 years, Beena’s passion for education is evident as she continues to inspire her students with her creative methods. With two more years until her retirement, she remains dedicated to her dual calling as both a teacher and actress.
Despite her cinematic achievements, Beena’s heart still belongs to the theatre. She has been involved in amateur theatre groups since her school days, where she honed her acting skills. Just hours after winning the State Film Award, Beena went back to her roots, performing a 40-minute solo play titled “Otta Njaval Maram” for the Kalapadasala, Arangottukara—a theatre group she has been affiliated with for many years. Her commitment to theatre is unwavering, serving both as a training ground for her talents and as a medium through which she connects deeply with her audience.
Beena initially appeared in minor roles in films by directors P.P. Sudevan and M.G. Sasi. However, her collaboration with Fazil Razak, who bagged the Best Debutant Director Award for “Thadavu,” marked a turning point in her career. After playing roles in a couple of short films directed by Razak, her performance in “Thadavu” as the central character, Geetha, has brought her into the limelight.
. Geetha is portrayed as a woman scarred by two unsuccessful marriages and a series of unfortunate events, including being unfairly blamed for a child’s death. Despite these challenges, Geetha exhibits resilience, making her a complex character that elicits both empathy and criticism from the audience.
Reflecting on her role in “Thadavu,” Beena confessed, “I was terrified after reading the script. Fazil’s debut film depended significantly on my portrayal of Geetha. I put in a lot of homework to ensure the uniqueness of my performance. For example, I made a deliberate effort to cry in a way that did not mimic any other actor.” Her hard work paid off, resulting in a performance that not only won her critical acclaim but also resonated deeply with viewers.
This year, Beena shares the Best Actor (Female) award with the veteran actress Urvashi, who won for “Ullozhukku,” marking her record-equaling sixth win. Winning alongside such an acclaimed artist adds another feather to Beena’s cap, highlighting her as a rising star in Malayalam cinema.
Beena’s journey from a school classroom to a prestigious film award is nothing short of inspiring. It showcases her versatility and dedication to both her students and her craft. Her story amplifies the message that passion and hard work can indeed lead to recognition and success, regardless of one’s age or primary profession. The duality of Beena’s life as both an educationalist and an actress enriches her experience and brings a refreshing perspective to her roles both on and off the screen.
Her recognition at the Kerala State Film Awards shines a light on talents that often go unnoticed while emphasizing the importance of art in education. Beena R. Chandran stands as a testament to the power of combining traditional education with creative arts, demonstrating that the integration of these disciplines can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
As she looks forward to the future, Beena remains committed to her roles. She continues to plan, teach, and perform, all while inspiring a generation of students and audiences to pursue their passions and embrace their multifaceted talents. Her journey is a brilliant reminder that art and education together can forge pathways to personal and professional fulfillment.
