Accidental audition for 1001 Nunakal led Shamla Hamza to acting success; her powerful performance in Feminichi Fathima earned her the Best Actor (Female) Award at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards.
Shamla Hamza’s entry into cinema was purely unplanned. Though she had long envisioned herself as a lyricist, a chance audition for Thamar K.V.’s film 1001 Nunakal turned her path toward acting. Her impressive performance ultimately opened doors to her next role in Feminichi Fathima, a film that would define her as one of Malayalam cinema’s promising new talents.
For over a decade, Shamla worked in administrative roles in Dubai while nurturing her dream of joining the film world. When the audition call for 1001 Nunakal appeared, she went prepared with one of her own songs. However, fate had other plans—she was chosen not as a lyricist, but as an actor.
Her portrayal in Feminichi Fathima, directed by Fasil Muhammed and produced by Thamar and Sudheesh Scaria, won her the Best Actor (Female) Award at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards. In the film, Shamla brings to life Fathima, a woman whose quiet yet determined resistance against patriarchal and religious norms centers around a seemingly modest wish—a new mattress.
“The shooting began when my daughter was just six months old,” Shamla told The Hindu. “Because I was in the postpartum phase, I naturally embodied many of Fathima’s qualities—fatigue, weight gain, and a certain calm resilience. I also modeled her mannerisms on women from my neighborhood whom I had observed for years.”
The film resonated deeply with audiences for its humor, subtle feminism, and emotional depth, becoming one of the crowd favorites at the International Film Festival of Kerala.
Reflecting on the experience, Shamla said, “Feminichi Fathima is very close to my heart. My daughter was on set with me, and the crew was incredibly supportive. The love and response we received from the audience were overwhelming.”
Though she currently has no projects lined up, Shamla Hamza hopes to continue crafting memorable performances and carve out a lasting presence in Malayalam cinema.
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