Shamla Hamza: Working in Dubai for 11 years to accidental actor, now Kerala Best Actress for Feminichi Fathima

Who is Shamla Hamza? An accidental actor who made it to the front of the camera, while all she dreamt of being was a lyricist. Tracing her journey to Kerala Best Actress for Feminichi Fathima.

Shamla Hamza, Feminichi Fathima

Ever since the 55th Kerala State Film Awards were declared, the most searched name on Google is Shamla Hamza, with netizens seeking to know more about this Malayalam actress who has bagged the coveted honour for Feminichi Fathima along with the veteran Mammootty (Bramayugam). But did you know that Shamla Hamza was an accidental actor who made it to the front of the camera, while all she dreamt of being was a lyricist? Here’s a look at the journey of the Kerala woman, a young mother herself, who is now rightfully hogging all the attention for her simply moving performance in Feminichi Fathima.

Who is Shamla Hamza

Shamla Hamza is a Malayalam actress, a native of Palakkad district in Kerala. Shamla was working in Dubai for 11 years, The Hindu reports, locked in an administrative position even as she was on the lookout for an opportunity to enter cinema but as a lyricist. This pursuit of her prompted her to show up for the audition of the Malayalam movie 1001 Nunakal helmed by filmmaker Thamar KV, also marking his debut. But fate had other plans for Shamla, as she got picked to play the role of Salma in the 2022 movie.

Her tryst with destiny did not end with just that as 1001 Nunakkal also featured a young Fazil Muhammed, who was then a spot editor on the sets. When Fazil Muhammed decided to plunge into direction, he saw his ‘Feminichi Fathima’ in Shamla, who has fully justified his choice with the State honour.

Also read: Mammootty wins record-breaking 7th Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor, finally breaks the tie with Mohanlal

What is Feminichi Fathima all about

The 2024 Malayalam film Feminichi Fathima, which was first screened at the International Film Festival, saw Shamla in the titular role, a married woman in the northern Kerala district of Malappuram who has dedicated her life to take care of her family. But her perspective on life changes, sparking a quest to stand up for herself, when her simple enough demand for a mattress finds no support.

1001 Nunakkal director Thamar came on board as one of the producers in the film, which is distributed by Lokah producer and actor Dulquer Salmaan. Feminichi Fathima, a quiet take on patriarchy, was also adjudged as the second-best Malayalam film after Manjummel Boys.

Also read: 55th Kerala State Film Awards: Here's where to watch Bramayugam, Manjummel Boys and other award-winning movies online

FAQs

Q. Who is Shamla Hamza?

A. Shamla Hamza is a Malayalam actress, who has won the Best Actress Award at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards were declared on Monday, for her performance in the film Feminichi Fathima.

Q. Who is the most Kerala State Award winner actor?

A. Veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty has won the most number of Kerala State Awards for Best Actor. The iconic star bagged his seventh Kerala State Award for his performance in Bramayugam finally breaking the tie with superstar Mohanlal.

Q. Where to watch Feminichi Fathima?

A. The Malayalam film Feminichi Fathima is currently not available on OTT but is expected to make its streaming debut soon. Featuring Shamla Hamza in the lead, the film was earlier screened at IFFK and released in theatres in October 2025.

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