In brief
At 70, Biana Watre Momin made headlines when she transitioned from a quiet life in Meghalaya, India, to acting in the critically acclaimed film 'Eko.' Despite not having prior acting experience, Momin embraced this new adventure, proving that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing passions. Her portrayal of an enigmatic elder in 'Eko' has garnered attention and admiration, and she now finds herself at the center of the Indian film industry's renewed interest in her talent, inspiring more representation and diversity in cinema.
At 70, Biana Watre Momin took a leap far from home. The retired college teacher left the Garo Hills in north-eastern India's Meghalaya state, where she led a quiet family life—caring for four dogs and doting on her grandchildren—and traveled more than 3,000km (1,864 miles) south to Kerala to act in a film.Despite grappling with a language she didn’t understand, Momin took on the role of Mlathi Chettathi in 'Eko,' a Malayalam-language film that would change her life. Acting was never an ambition for Momin until her daughter encouraged her to try something new. Her journey from teaching English literature to starring in a film has been nothing short of extraordinary.'My town did not have a cinema or theatre,' she reflects, highlighting her awkwardness with this new path. Yet, her performance in 'Eko' has captivated audiences, showcasing her natural talent and emotional depth. The film has been hailed as a critical success and placed Momin in the spotlight as a beacon of representation for indigenous actors.With accolades pouring in, including praise from notable figures in the industry, Momin's journey serves as a reminder that it's never too late to embrace new challenges. Now back to her life at home and her book club, she hopes to inspire more people to follow their passions, regardless of age.
