From classroom to camera: A teacher who has become a sensation in Indian cinema

BBC News - WorldEN 5 min read 100% complete February 8, 2026 at 01:57 AM

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long article 5 min

Biana Watre Momin, a 70-year-old retired English teacher from Meghalaya, India, made her acting debut in the Malayalam-language film "Eko." Despite having no prior acting experience, Momin was cast as the lead, Mlathi Chettathi, an enigmatic elderly woman living in the Western Ghats. She was initially hesitant but was encouraged by her daughter to take on the role. "Eko," directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, tells the story of a Malay woman who flees Malaysia during World War II and settles in Kerala. The film, shot on a low budget, has garnered critical acclaim, with Momin's performance receiving particular attention for its power and her unique background. "Eko" is currently available on Netflix.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Netflix 30% BBC ×240% Western Ghats 40% Garo Hills 50% Dinjith Ayyathan 50% Kerala ×260% Meghalaya ×260% India ×270% Eko ×680% Biana Watre Momin ×590%

Keywords

teacher turned actress 90% eko 90% malayalam-language film 80% indian cinema 70% retired teacher 70% acting debut 60% garo tribe 60% elderly woman 50% meghalaya 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Positive

Score: 0.70

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Source

BBC News - World

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90%

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