‘Happy to get the award at last’

She took up acting at a time when female  performers were viewed with derisive eyes. Surprisingly, Nilambur Ayisha won her first State award only now, and that too for a film that deals with the issue of woman’s empowerment - a theme that has always been a motif in her plays and films.  The veteran theatre artist and actor, says she is content to win the award.

Nilambur Ayisha who won the best supporting actress award for her portrayal of the compassionate grandmother in ‘Oomakkuyil Padumpol’ directed by Sidheeque Chennamangallur says modestly, “Being in the industry for long, I am happy with the recognition that I finally got. I am happy that I got award for this particular character, which has several shades of my personal life.”

“In the movie, mine is a strong-willed woman who supports the young protagonist who faces several problems. The family and society attempt to curtail the natural instincts of the girl who aspires to reach heights and become a writer. She often reminded me of myself. And during our KPAC days, we have staged plays that raised the need for education of woman along with several other burning issues,” says the actress.