Acting is not just confined to the stage or screen for Beena R. Chandran, the recent winner of the State Film Award for Best Actor (Female) in 2023. Her stellar performance in Fazil Razak’s Thadavu has catapulted her into the limelight, but Beena remains grounded and committed to her dual roles as both an educator and an artist. She teaches at the CEUP School in Parudur, located in the Palakkad district, where she effectively uses her acting skills to enhance the learning experience for her students.
The award-winning actress reveals that her passion for acting extends beyond the silver screen; it is a fundamental part of her teaching methodology. Beena’s innovative approach involves incorporating drama and skits into her English and Malayalam lessons, making them more engaging and comprehensible for the children. “Acting is a powerful tool,” she says, “It helps in conveying complex ideas in a simpler and more effective manner.”
Her journey in theatre dates back to her school days when she first got involved with amateur theatre groups. These experiences honed her acting skills, shaping her into the consummate performer she is today. Despite her recent cinematic success, Beena hasn’t distanced herself from her theatrical roots. On the evening she won the award, she performed a 40-minute solo play titled Otta Njaval Maram for the Kalapadasala, Arangottukara, a theatre group she has been associated with for many years.
“I’ve been a part of amateur theatre for a long time,” she shared in an interview with The Hindu. “The stage is where my skills have been honed over the years. At the school where I teach, we even have a children’s theatre. These performances aren’t just for fun; they are a vital part of my teaching strategy.” Beena has been in the teaching profession for nearly 28 years and has only a couple of years left before retirement.
Beena’s path to cinematic recognition began with roles in films directed by P.P. Sudevan and M.
.G. Sasi. Her collaboration with Fazil Razak started with short films that garnered critical acclaim and awards. However, playing the central character in Thadavu brought new challenges and opportunities. In Thadavu, she portrays Geetha, a woman scarred by two failed marriages and a series of unfortunate events, including being wrongly blamed for a child’s death. Geetha is a complex character, and Beena had to convey her inner turmoil and resilience convincingly.
When asked about her role, Beena stated, “I was a bit scared after reading the script, because Fazil’s debut film depended heavily on how I performed this character. I did a lot of homework as I wanted to bring a level of uniqueness to the performance. For instance, I tried hard to ensure that the way I cried didn’t resemble any other actor’s portrayal. This role required a nuanced performance, as Geetha is not a character one can easily sympathize with. She has her own set of flaws which make her both relatable and unlikeable.”
Despite her fears, Beena’s performance was remarkable and well-received, earning her the prestigious State Film Award. Interestingly, she is a joint winner this year, sharing the honor with veteran actress Urvashi, who won the award for her role in Ullozhukku. This marks Urvashi’s sixth State Film Award, equalling a long-standing record.
Through her journey, Beena R. Chandran exemplifies how passion and dedication can bridge different worlds. Her ability to seamlessly integrate her acting prowess with her educational career not only enriches her students’ learning but also showcases the versatility and depth she brings to her artistic endeavors. As Beena continues to inspire on both the stage and screen, her story serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of art and education.
