From Classroom to Camera: A Teacher Who Has Become a Sensation in Indian Cinema
Biana Watre Momin’s Inspiring Journey
At 70, Biana Watre Momin took a bold step that transformed her life. Leaving the tranquil Garo Hills in Meghalaya, where she had enjoyed a peaceful retirement caring for her pets and grandchildren, she journeyed over 3,000 km (1,864 miles) south to Kerala to pursue a role in the film Eko. This Malayalam-language film would not only challenge her language skills but also unveil layers of her life she never anticipated.
An Unexpected Adventure in Acting
Momin, a member of the Garo tribe from Meghalaya, had never envisioned acting as part of her life. Growing up, my town didn’t have a cinema or theatre, she shared. With no formal training in the performing arts, aside from her experience as a retired English literature teacher, she was apprehensive about stepping into such a foreign realm. However, encouragement from her daughter ignited a spark within her: “Have faith in yourself and try something new.”
In Eko, Momin portrays Mlathi Chettathi, an enigmatic elder living alone in the Western Ghats, a breathtaking mountain range known for its lush forests and misty hills. Her performance is a pivotal part of the film, anchoring its narrative in subtlety and strength.
The Making of Eko
Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, Eko tells the story of a Malay woman fleeing Malaysia during World War II and her enigmatic life in Kerala. When the casting team sought a fresh face, they found Momin through a short film that showcased her connection to animals and folklore.
An unusual coincidence connects my previous role with this one, Momin noted, recalling her audition. On a rainy day, an audition scenario involving police officers struck a chord with the directors. Her spontaneity, emotive restraint, and quiet confidence stood out immediately, recalled Bahul Ramesh, the film’s writer and cinematographer.
Despite initial hesitation, Momin embraced the challenge, aware of the unique opportunity that lay ahead.
Educational Experience on Set
Filming Eko was both exhilarating and educational for Momin. Learning her Malayalam lines phonetically, she adapted to the rhythms of the film set while trekking mountains and navigating unpredictable weather. “I am a strong woman,” she remarked, embodying her fierce spirit as she explored local cuisine and culture.
Crew members noted her remarkable grasp of emotion, camera angles, and movement. Momin attributes her performance to her life experiences and her background in a matrilineal tribe. I could draw from a full life,” she stated, highlighting the influence of her nurturing feminism on the character.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Momin’s portrayal in Eko has garnered her accolades, with notable personalities like Tamil actor Dhanush praising it as a world-class performance. Following the film’s success, she has attracted attention from filmmakers across Bollywood and beyond. Talks are on, she confirmed, speaking cautiously about future projects.
For now, she has returned to her cherished routine, enjoying time with her family and engaging in her book club discussions. We’ll be discussing Arundhati Roy’s Mother Mary Comes to Me this week, she said with a smile.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Cinema
Biana Watre Momin’s journey from classroom to camera is a powerful testament to life’s sometimes unexpected turns. Rather than following a traditional path to acting, she serves as a reminder that authentic storytelling in cinema is about recognition, not fabrication. Old age should burn and rage at close of day, she quoted Dylan Thomas, encapsulating the spirit of a teacher who has discovered a new passion late in life, proving that it’s never too late to chase one’s dreams.