From Shruthi, the mother agonising over her daughter’s health in the film Traffic, or as cop Supriya Raghavan, who locked horns with Mohanlal’s character in Spirit, or Reena, a Minister’s wife in God’s Own Country, who testifies in court against her husband, actress Lena has proved herself in varied roles.
In Iyobinte Pusthakam, she explores another new role: that of Kazhali, a tribal woman.
“While I looked up some references on these tribal women, I relied a lot on my imagination,” said Lena over phone from Kerala.
With 65 films to her credit over the past sixteen years and more to come, Lena had not planned on an acting career. Lena was in class 11 when she was spotted by director Jayaraj and made her Malayalam debut with Sneham.
“But today, acting is what I love doing and I couldn’t dream of doing anything else,” admitted this postgraduate in clinical psychology.
While her work in Traffic “got people to sit up and notice me, playing a cop in Spirit, added vigour to my career,” said the actress, who will soon make her Tamil debut with Anegan, also starring Dhanush.
Lena does not reveal much about her character in this Tamil film, besides, “It will be a significant debut for me.”
Calling Dhanush a thorough professional, she said that he used all his energy on the set.
About director K. V. Anand, Lena added that he was a serious filmmaker who was clear with his instructions and very patient with actors.
Lena is currently shooting for Satyan Anthikaad’s upcoming film featuring Manju Warrier and Mohan Lal.
“I play Manju’s friend in the story.”
Another film that she is working on is My God, starring Suresh Gopi and Honey Rose.
Lena would love to do a psychological thriller where she could put to use her knowledge on psychology. And someday even manage a magazine on films.
