Biana Watre Momin, a 70-year-old retired teacher from India’s Meghalaya state, has captivated audiences with her debut film role in ‘Eko,’ becoming an unexpected sensation in Indian cinema.
Momin, a member of the indigenous Garo tribe, left her quiet life in the Garo Hills to travel over 3,000 kilometers to Kerala for the film. At 70, with no prior acting experience, she embraced the challenge of playing Mlathi Chettathi, an enigmatic elder living alone in the Western Ghats. The film ‘Eko,’ which plays on the word ‘echo,’ is a psychological thriller that explores themes of isolation and resilience. Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan and written by Bahul Ramesh, it was shot on a modest budget in 45 days and is now available on Netflix, garnering critical acclaim.
Momin’s casting was serendipitous; the scouting team found her through a short film on Garo folklore. Her audition, where she spontaneously acted out reporting a missing son to police, impressed the creators with her emotive restraint and confidence. Despite not understanding Malayalam, Momin learned her lines phonetically with the help of a language coach and delivered them during filming, though her dialogue was later dubbed. The shoot involved daily treks up mountains, unpredictable weather, and adapting to a professional film set.
Her performance has been praised as ‘organic and intuitive’ by the film’s writer, with accolades from notable figures like Tamil actor Dhanush, who called it a ‘world-class performance.’ Momin credits her life experience and background in a matrilineal tribe for informing her portrayal. The success of ‘Eko’ has opened doors for Momin, with filmmakers from Bollywood and beyond approaching her with new scripts. However, she remains cautious, acknowledging that acting is strenuous work, and has returned to her family and book club in Meghalaya.
Momin’s story is not just about a late-career shift but highlights the potential for diverse representation in Indian cinema. As an indigenous elder, she hopes her role inspires more inclusive storytelling and opportunities for underrepresented communities. In her own words, quoting Dylan Thomas, ‘Old age should burn and rage at close of day,’ Momin embodies a spirit of adventure and proof that cinema can find truth in unexpected places, reminding audiences of the power of authentic narratives.
