Shamla Hamza received the Best Actress award at the Kerala State Film Awards for her performance in Feminichi Fathima, her second film. The awards were announced on Monday evening, recognizing outstanding cinema from 2024. Directed by Fasil Muhammed, the film had premiered at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala before its theatrical release in October. Shamla, a former radio jockey, faced unique challenges during production as she was nursing her six-month-old daughter throughout the shoot. The film also won Second Best Film and Best Debut Director honors. Out of 128 films submitted for consideration, 26 were shortlisted for state awards. Feminichi Fathima tells the story of a coastal town housewife whose quest to replace a mattress becomes a powerful symbol of resistance against patriarchy and her journey toward independence.
Balancing Motherhood and Acting During Production
Shamla Hamza, a native of Thrithala, Palakkad, debuted with the 2022 film 1001 Nunakal directed by Thamar KV. While portraying Fathima, a mother of three in her second film, she was simultaneously nursing her own infant during filming. Speaking to OnManorama after the film's IFFK screening, she acknowledged the difficulties faced by working mothers but praised her team's support. The director and crew provided her space and time to care for her baby during production. She also mentioned that audiences were eagerly waiting for the film's simple yet profound exploration of feminism. Shamla expressed gratitude to Mammootty, who sent her congratulatory messages after winning Best Actor for Bramayugam. The film features Kumar Sunil, Viji Viswanath, Pushpa Rajan, and Praseedha in supporting roles.
Source: Link