Acting is not something confined merely to the stages or screens for Beena R. Chandran. The 2023 State Film Award winner for Best Actor (Female) for her stellar performance in Fazil Razak’s movie “Thadavu,” Beena, a school teacher, seamlessly integrates her passion for acting into her teaching methods at CEUP School, located in Parudur in the Palakkad district.
To Beena, winning the prestigious award doesn’t signal a departure from her roots in theater. In fact, on the very evening she won the award, she was back on stage performing a 40-minute solo play titled “Otta Njaval Maram” for the Kalapadasala, Arangottukara, a theatre group she has been associated with for several years.
“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,” Beena shared in an interview with The Hindu.
Beena’s journey to the silver screen was gradual yet steady. Initially, she played relatively minor roles in films directed by P.P. Sudevan and M.G. Sasi. It was Fazil Razak, who also earned the Best Debutant Director Award for “Thadavu,” who recognized her talent and cast her in a couple of short films, which won numerous awards. However, the role of Geetha in “Thadavu” presented a whole new set of challenges. As Geetha, Beena had to depict the complex emotions of a woman scarred by two unsuccessful marriages and a series of unfortunate events, including being unjustly blamed for a child’s death.
Beena’s portrayal of Geetha had to walk a tightrope; she had to evoke empathy from the audience while embodying a character who, despite her ordeals, had her own set of flaws and lacked inherently likeable traits.
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“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,” Beena disclosed.
Her hard work paid off, as her performance was lauded by critics and audiences alike. Beena is sharing this year’s Best Actor honour with veteran actress Urvashi, who won the award for her role in “Ullozhukku,” marking a record-equalling sixth win in her career.
In a profession that demands wearing many hats, Beena’s ability to balance her passion for acting with her commitment to teaching is remarkable. She views acting not just as a pursuit of fame, but as an essential tool that enhances her teaching methodology.
In the classroom, Beena frequently employs skits and performances to teach languages, finding them to be effective methods for engaging students. “I see a lot of potential in integrating theater arts into education. It’s a win-win; the students are more engaged and the lessons are more impactful. My experience in theater has been invaluable in this regard,” she explains.
Beena’s win has brought attention to the significance of theater and arts in education. This recognition could spur more teachers to explore unconventional methods to make lessons more memorable for students.
On her journey, Beena encountered numerous hurdles, from juggling her time between rehearsals and teaching to managing the expectations that come with playing a lead role in a critically acclaimed film. Yet, her resilience and dedication have paved the way for her success, showcasing the transformative power of art in education.
As Beena looks forward to her retirement in two years, she remains as committed as ever to making an impact both on and off the stage. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring actors and educators alike, proving that the roots of great acting lie not just in talent but in constant practice, dedication, and a willingness to remain grounded.
With her award-winning performance in “Thadavu,” Beena R. Chandran has added another feather to her cap, reinforcing her role as an impactful educator and a gifted artist. The duality of her career serves as a compelling example of how passions can be harmoniously blended, leading to extraordinary achievements in multiple fields.
