Lena Mohan Kumar (born 1981[1]), known by stage name Lenaa, is an Indian actress, author,[2] and scriptwriter[3] who appears predominantly in Malayalam cinema. In a career that spans over 25 years, Lenaa has worked in over 175 films in 5 languages, including blockbusters as well as critically acclaimed films in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.[4]
Lenaa | |
|---|---|
 Lenaa in 2022 | |
| Born | Lena Mohan Kumar 1981 (age 42–43) |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Spouse |
Abhilash Kumar
(m. 2004; div. 2013) |
| Website | lenaalife |
In 2023, she published her first book as an author titled The Autobiography of God. The book covers her journey and perspectives on mental health and coincides with her ventures as a motivational speaker and a transformation coach.[5]
Career
editLena made her debut in Jayaraj's Sneham, which was followed by critically acclaimed Karunam. She had also established as a lead actress in the Malayalam television industry with serials like Omanathinkalpakshi, Ohari, Malayogam and Thadankalpalayam before focusing on her film career. She is also a television host and manages the YouTube Vlogging channel – Lena's Magazine.[6] She has over 100 films to her credit in Malayalam cinema along with films in English,[7] Tamil, Telugu and Hindi languages.[8]
Some of her noted performance were in the critically acclaimed Traffic (2011) after which she acted in films such in Snehaveedu, Ee Adutha Kaalathu, Spirit, Left Right Left and Ennu Ninte Moideen in supporting roles.[9] Lenaa will star alongside Adil Hussain (Parched, Hotel Salvation) in a British-Indian feature titled Footprints On Water, to be directed by Nathalia Syam.[10]
Early life
editLena was born to Mohan Kumar and Tina at Thrissur, Kerala. Her mother Tina is a Catholic. She attended Seventh Day Adventist Higher Secondary School,[11] and Hari Sri Vidya Nidhi School in Thrissur.
Lena is a postgraduate in Clinical psychology. She worked as a clinical psychologist in Mumbai before entering her acting career.[9] In 2020, she said she had plans for a directorial debut as she confirmed completing the first draft of a new project.[12]
Lena married Abhilash Kumar in 2004, whom she divorced in 2013.[13] On 27 February 2024, she announced that she had married Group Captain Prasanth Nair, an astronaut designated for the Gaganyaan mission to space.[14]
Filmography
editThis section of a biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. (March 2023) |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Sneham | Ammu | Debut Malayalam film |
| 1999 | Karunam | Nun | |
| 2000 | Oru Cheru Punchiri | Beena | |
| Devadoothan | Annie Kurian | ||
| Indriyam | Sreedevi | ||
| Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal | Deepa | ||
| Shantham | Raghavan's wife | ||
| Varnakkazchchakal | Renuka | ||
| Manassu Muthal Manassu Vare | |||
| 2001 | Randam Bhavam | Manikkutty | |
| 2004 | Koottu | Parvathi | |
| 2007 | Big B | Selina | |
| 2008 | De Ingottu Nokkiye | Julia | |
| 2009 | 2 Harihar Nagar | Parvathi | |
| Bhagavan | Maria | ||
| Daddy Cool | Adi's teacher | Cameo | |
| Robin Hood | Meera | ||
| Thirunakkara Perumal | Gracy | ||
| 2010 | April Fool | Letha | Cameo |
| Cocktail | Dr.Susan | Cameo | |
| In Ghost House Inn | Parvathi | ||
| Kaaryasthan | Saraswathi | ||
| Kanyakumari Express | Sneha Mohan | ||
| Raama Raavanan | Muthulakshmi/Malli | ||
| 2011 | Athe Mazha Athe Veyil | Sreelakshmi | |
| Khaddama | Zarina | ||
| Killadi Raman | Seethalakshmi | ||
| Snehaveedu | Lilly | ||
| Traffic | Shruthi | Won—SIIMA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role Won—Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Malayalam Won—Amrita Film Award for Best Supporting Actor (Female) | |
| Ulakam Chuttum Valiban | Annie | ||
| 2012 | Asuravithu | Angel | |
| Bachelor Party | Sheela Mathews Kattuparambil | ||
| Bavuttiyude Namathil | Sethu's friend | Cameo | |
| Chapters | Annie | ||
| Doctor Innocent Aanu | Adabia | ||
| Ee Adutha Kaalathu | Roopa Vasudevan | ||
| Matinee | Gayathri teacher | ||
| MLA Mani: Patham Classum Gusthiyum | MLA Lakshmi Priya | ||
| Naughty Professor | Tessa | ||
| Orange | Saritha | ||
| Spirit | ASP Supriya Raghavan | Won—Asianet Film Award for Best Supporting Actress | |
| Red Alert | Anu | ||
| Ustad Hotel | Fathima Abdul Razaq | ||
| 2013 | 101 Chodyangal | Sathi | |
| Aaru Sundarimaarude Katha | Cyns Ria | ||
| Arikil Oraal | Aarathi | ||
| Ayaal | Devaki Antharjanam | ||
| Careebeyans | Ganga | ||
| Cowboy | Veena | ||
| David and Goliath | Jainamma | ||
| Left Right Left | Anitha | ||
| Kanyaka Talkies | Ancy | Won—Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress | |
| Tourist Home | Patient's wife | ||
| White Paper | Asha | ||
| Weeping Boy | Sreedevi Sahadevan | ||
| 2014 | God's Own Country | Sereena | |
| Happy Journey | Alice | ||
| Hi I'm Tony | Elizabeth Tony | ||
| Iyobinte Pustakam | Kazhali | ||
| London Bridge | Gracy | ||
| Njangalude Veettile Athidhikal | Maya | ||
| RajadhiRaja | Vidyalakshmi | ||
| Thomson Villa | Sheela Paul | ||
| Vellimoonga | Molly | ||
| Vikramadithyan | Lakshmi Nair | ||
| 2015 | Alif | Fathima | |
| Anegan | Dr.Radhika | Tamil film | |
| The Reporter | Vinitha teacher | ||
| Ennum Eppozhum | Farah | ||
| Nee-Na | Counselor Pearl | ||
| Nirnnayakam | Government Pleader Nirmala | ||
| Love 24x7 | Jayashree | ||
| Ennu Ninte Moideen | Pathumma | [citation needed] | |
| My God | - | ||
| Two Countries | Susan | ||
| 2016 | Airlift | Deepti Jayarajan, George Kutty's wife | Hindi film[15] |
| Shajahanum Pareekuttiyum | Dr. Deepa Menon | ||
| Karinkunnam 6'S | IG Haritha Krishnan | ||
| Oru Muthassi Gada | Jean | ||
| Kavi Uddheshichathu..? | Gladys | ||
| 2017 | Honey Bee 2: Celebrations | Ruby | |
| Avarude Raavukal | Deepa Manoj | ||
| Dr. Chakravarthy | Vandana Chakravarthy | Telugu film | |
| Honey Bee 2.5 | Herself | ||
| Oru Visheshapetta BiriyaniKissa | Thaara | ||
| Thank You Very Much | Achyuth's mother | ||
| Adam John | Daisy | ||
| Ramaleela | Olga John | [16] | |
| Vimaanam | Mable | ||
| Masterpiece | Minister Sethulakshmi Krishnadas | ||
| 2018 | Aadhi | Rosy | |
| Ira | Adv. Daisy | ||
| Bonsai | Mom | ||
| Suvarna Purushan | Mary | ||
| Johny Johny Yes Appa | S. Sujatha | ||
| Paviyettante Madhurachooral | Annie | ||
| 2019 | Varikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam | Annie | |
| Kodathi Samaksham Balan Vakeel | ADGP Indulekha | ||
| Athiran | Renuka | ||
| Oru Yamandan Premakadha | Diya's mother | ||
| Kadaram Kondan | Kalpana | Tamil film | |
| 2020 | Anveshanam | Sony | |
| Draupadi | Doctor | Tamil film | |
| 2021 | Sajan Bakery Since 1962 | Betsy | |
| Black Coffee | Ann | Sequel of the 2011 film Salt N' Pepper | |
| 2022 | Bheeshma Parvam | Susan Anjoottikkaran | |
| Twenty One Gms | SP Rachel | ||
| O2 | Manorama | Tamil film | |
| Two Men | Ameena | ||
| Monster | CI Mariyam George | ||
| Louis | Lakshmi | ||
| 2023 | Ennalum Ente Aliya | Sulu | [17] |
| Oh My Darling | Jenny's and Jasmine's mother | [18] | |
| Anuragam | Devika | [19] | |
| Otta | [20] | ||
| Bandra | Hemaji | [21] | |
| Dance Party | [22] | ||
| Khali Purse of Billionaires | Sakthi | [23] | |
| Achanoru Vazha Vechu | [24] | ||
| Olam | [25] Story,Script and Dialogues also by her | ||
| Vanitha | Vanitha | [26] | |
| Article 21 | Thamara | [27] | |
| The Hope | |||
| 2024 | Qalb | [28] | |
| Idiyan Chandhu | [29] | ||
| Nunakkuzhi | Eby's mother | [30] | |
| Pushpaka Vimanam † | TBA | [31] | |
| 2025 | Ouseppinte Osyath † | Aani |
Television
edit| Year | Title | Channel | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Sneha | Asianet | Malayalam | ||
| 2005–2006 | Omanathinkalpakshi | Asianet | Jancy | [32] | |
| 2006 | Ohari | Amrita TV | [32] | ||
| 2006 | Thadangal Palayam | Asianet | |||
| 2006–2007 | Malayogam | Asianet | Revathi | ||
| 2007–2008 | Chilluvilakku | Surya TV | Dr. Lekha | ||
| 2009 | Aranazhika Neram | Amrita TV | |||
| 2009 | Kanal Kireedam | Surya TV | Nandhini | ||
| 2010 | Thulabharam | Surya TV | Shalini | ||
| 2010–2011 | Alavudeente Albuthavilakku | Asianet | Mumthaz | ||
| 2011–2012 | Pattukalude Pattu | Surya TV | Swapna | ||
| 2013–2014 | Satyameva Jayate | Surya TV | Sherya Saran IPS | ||
| 2014 | Manjuthirum Mumpe | DD Malayalam | Seetha Nandan | ||
| 2023 | Shaitan | Disney+ Hotstar | Mary Joseph | Telugu |
Independent projects and endorsements
editAs dubbing artist
edit- 2022 – K.G.F: Chapter 2 – voiceover for Raveena Tandon (Malayalam dubbed version)
As host
edit- Your Choice (Asianet)
- Amul Sangeetha Mahayudham (Surya TV)
- Vivel Big Break (Surya TV)
- Lena's Magazine (YouTube)[33]
Album
edit- Pranayam
- Pranayathin Ormakkayi
- Amma Manasam
Endorsements
edit- Grandma's
- MJ Foods
- Indulekha Bringa Hair Oil
- Maruthua Panja Jeerakam
Awards
editThis section of a biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. (January 2023) |
| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Kerala State TV Awards | Best Actress | Aranazhika Neram | Won | [34] |
| Atlas Film Critics TV Award | Best Second Actress | Chilluvillakku | Won | [35] | |
| 2011 | Filmfare Awards South | Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Malayalam | Traffic | Won | [36] |
| Amrita Film Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Won | [37] | ||
| Kerala Film Critics Association Awards | Second Best Actor (Female) | Traffic, Athe Mazha Athe Veyil | Won | ||
| 2012 | Asianet Film Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Spirit | Won | |
| 2015 | Kerala Film Critics Association Awards | Second Best Actor (Female) | Ennu Ninte Moideen | Won | |
| 2013 | Kerala State Film Award | Second Best Actress | Left Right Left and Kanyaka Talkies | Won | [38] |
| South Indian International Movie Awards | Best Supporting Actor (Female) | Left RIght Left | Won | ||
| 2015 | Asianet Film Awards | Best Character Actress | Ennu Ninte Moideen | Won | [citation needed] |
| Vanitha Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor (Female) | Won | [citation needed] | ||
| South Indian International Movie Awards | Won | ||||
| Filmfare Awards South | Won | ||||
| 1st IIFA Utsavam | Performance In A Supporting Role – Female | Won | |||
| 2018 | Master Vision International | Excellency Award | Many movies | Won | |
| 2019 | Toronto International South Asian Film Awards (TISFA) | Best Supporting Actress | Adam Joan & Vimaanam | Won | [39] |
| Janmabhoomi Legends of Kerala | Won | ||||
| South Indian International Movie Awards | Best Supporting Actor (Female) | Aadhi | Won | ||
| 2022 | Ramu Kariat Awards | Best Character Actress | Various films | Won |
References
edit- ^ Lena. ലേഡി മമ്മൂട്ടി എന്ന വിളി ഇന്റര്നെറ്റ് തെറ്റിദ്ധാരണ മൂലം സംഭവിച്ചതാണെന്നാണ് ഞാന് വിശ്വസിക്കുന്നത് ["I believe the name 'Lady Mammootty' was due to an internet misunderstanding] (Interview) (in Malayalam). Interviewed by Qasim, Siraj. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ Saigal, Geetika. "Filmfare Awardee Lenaa Kumar releases her debut book on self-realisation, published by Geetika Saigal's Beeja House". Business Standard. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- ^ Soman, Deepa. "Lena turns scriptwriter with Arjun Ashokan-starrer Olam – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 July 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
- ^ Joy, Jerin. "Can't believe it's been 25 years in Malayalam cinema". ON Manorama. Manorama. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- ^ Nabiyar, Mahima (November 2023). "I was a Buddhist monk in my previous birth". The Times of India. Times Entertainment. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- ^ "അടിപൊളി ലുക്കിൽ ലെനയുടെ നേപ്പാൾ യാത്ര; വൈറലായി വിഡിയോ | lenas magazine | lena nepal journey | lena baldy look". Archived from the original on 5 November 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ || ||Tamil film
- ^ Jayaram, Deepika. "Acting in Tamil is a win-win situation for Malayali actors: Lena – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 January 2019. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ a b She is no cry baby The Hindu Entertainment, Thiruvananthapuram
- ^ "Nimisha Sajayan, Lena Kumar join Adil Hussain in 'Footprints on Water'". 30 October 2020. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
- ^ Sebastian, Shevlin (22 April 2012). "Lena is a Gorgeous Woman". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 27 December 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
- ^ "Lena: In the lockdown, I finished scripting the first draft for my directorial debut – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 December 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "Lena: Lena says she parted ways with her ex-husband in a friendly – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- ^ Staff (27 February 2024). "Actor Lena reveals her marriage to Gaganyaan pilot Prasanth Nair". The News Minute.
- ^ "Lena heads to Rajasthan for Akshay Kumar film". Sanjit Sidhardhan. 26 October 2015. Archived from the original on 29 October 2015. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
- ^ Suresh, Meera. "'Dileep and his character Ramanunni MLA share a lot of similarities'". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
- ^ "Ennalum Ente Aliya censoring completed". Cinema Express. 20 December 2022. Archived from the original on 10 March 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Anikha Surendran's Oh My Darling trailer out". Cinema Express. 12 February 2023. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
- ^ "Gautham Vasudev Menon's Malayalam Film Anuragam To Be Released On This Date". News18. 26 April 2023. Archived from the original on 30 April 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- ^ "ആസിഫ് അലി നായകനാകുന്ന റസൂൽ പൂക്കുട്ടി ചിത്രം; 'ഒറ്റ'യുടെ ട്രെയിലർ പുറത്തിറങ്ങി". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). 21 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
- ^ "Dileep's 'Bandra' teaser leaves fans excited for action-packed drama". OnManorama. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
- ^ "Dhama Dhama song from Dance Party ft Shine Tom Chacko, Prayaga Martin is out". Cinema Express. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ "Dhyan, Aju to play IT entrepreneurs in Khali Purse of the Billionaires". The Times of India. 1 December 2020.
- ^ "'Achanoru Vazha Vechu' OTT release: When and where to watch Niranj's family entertainer". The Times of India. 12 December 2023.
- ^ "Arjun Ashokan, Lenaa's Olam trailer is here". Cinema Express. 2 July 2023.
- ^ "VanithaU". The Times of India.
- ^ Anand, Shilpa Nair (27 July 2023). "Debutant director Lenin Balakrishnan all praise for actor Lena for her work in his Malayalam movie 'Article 21'". The Hindu.
- ^ "Sajid Yahiya's Big-budget Malayalam Film Qalb Set To Release In Theatres On January 12". News18. 11 January 2024. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ Features, C. E. (17 July 2024). "Chandhune Tholpikkan Aavoollada song from Idiyan Chandhu out". Cinema Express. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ Features, C. E. (7 September 2024). "Basil Joseph-Jeethu Joseph film Nunakuzhi confirms OTT premiere". Cinema Express. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ Features, C. E. (6 September 2024). "Siju Wilson and Balu Varghese's Pushpaka Vimanam gets a release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
- ^ a b Anand, Shilpa Nair (20 January 2006). "She is no cry baby". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 March 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
- ^ "ഒറ്റക്കൊരു സ്ത്രീ യാത്ര ചെയ്താൽ; കാണാക്കാഴ്ചകളും കേൾക്കാ കഥകളുമായി ലെന". 17 May 2019. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
- ^ "State television awards announced". The Hindu. 28 January 2010. Archived from the original on 29 November 2010. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ^ "Atlas TV awards announced". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 20 February 2014. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ^ "59th Idea Filmfare Awards South (Winners list)". Filmfare. 9 July 2012. Archived from the original on 6 May 2020. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
- ^ "Amrita TV". Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ^ "Kerala state film award: Unexpected honour for Lena". City Times. 24 April 2014. Archived from the original on 24 April 2014. Retrieved 24 April 2014.
- ^ "Winners TISFA 2019". Toronto International South Asian Film Awards. Toronto. 2019. Archived from the original on 26 May 2020. Retrieved 26 May 2020.