Ever since the announcement of the Kerala State Awards, people have been feverishly searching for one name: Shamla Hamza. She bagged the 55th Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actress for her stellar performance in Fazil Muhammed’s Feminichi Fathima. The film, a subtle dig at patriarchy, explores the life of the titular character, ‘Fatima’, brilliantly portrayed by Shamla. Let us read on to know more about her.
Shamla Hamza wished to be a lyricist
A native of Palakkad, Kerala, Shamla was born and grew up in a Muslim family. After her marriage, Shamla moved to Dubai and reportedly worked there for 11 years as a radio jockey. As per a report in The Week, Shamla gained attention with her voice. She never wanted to be in front of the camera and instead wished to be a lyricist. As she sought an opportunity to become a lyricist, Shamla went to the audition for the film, 1001 Nunakal, directed by Thamar KV.
Shamla Hamza, the accidental actress
However, destiny had something else in store for Shamla, who was picked for the role of ‘Salma’ in the film, and it marked her career as an actress. At that time, Fazil Muhammed was the spot editor on the set and was in the process of making Feminichi Fathima. As destiny would have it, he found Shamla perfect for the titular role in Feminichi Fathima.
More about Feminichi Fathima
Feminichi Fathima is a satirical dig at the patriarchy prevalent in society. Shamla plays the lead role of ‘Fathima’, a married woman in Malappuram district, northern Kerala, and mother of three, who faces life’s daily struggles with wit and humour. She not only brings the character to life but also shows the strength and resilience of women, often caught between family and household responsibilities.
The story of Feminichi Fathima conveys the titular character’s pain through humour. Speaking about her role, Shamla, in an interview with The Indian Express, stated:
“I felt very close to this character because it’s a story that needs to be told. What our mothers and grandmothers faced was far worse than what we go through today. At least now we have the voice to say no to unhealthy relationships or toxic work culture.”
But her life takes a turn when her simple request for a mattress meets with no support; she stands up for herself. The 2024 Malayalam film Feminichi Fathima premiered at the International Film Festival. The film is directed and written by Fasil Muhammed, and his storytelling makes it authentic, compelling, and relatable. Produced by Sudheesh Scariah and Thamar KV under AFD Cinemas, the film was later distributed in theatres by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films on October 10, 2025.
Shamla Hamza shot Feminichi Fathima with her six-month-old daughter
Shamla Hamza filmed Feminichi Fathima as she cared for her six-month-old daughter, often bringing the baby to the set. She balanced the shoot while nursing her six-month-old daughter. Speaking about managing her shoot while nursing her daughter, Shamla said:
“I was very much a mother then. Always tired, a little overweight, constantly thinking about my baby who was with me on set. I didn’t go through any workshops or formal training. I just listened to Fasil before each scene and tried to do justice to what he wanted.”
What do you think about Shamla Hamza and her latest win?
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