Who is Tesni Khan? The answer to this question cannot be given in one word. The first label was Alikhan, the magician’s daughter. Umma, Vapa, siblings and Tesni used to perform magic on the stage. Later, he joined Kalabhavan to learn dance. From there, Tesni realizes that art is life. She made her film debut in 1988 with ‘Daisy’ directed by Pratap Pothan. In Tesni’s language, she did films again as ‘a friend who is not a friend’. Many venues were occupied. Tesni continues her journey, humbled every moment that everything she has achieved is only through art. Tesni Khan speaks on Manorama Online’s ‘Memory Card’.
Actress Tesni Khan @ 33
33 years is amazing to me. Not just the movie. YouTube, stage and television all came together to stay in art for so long. If it was only a movie, it would have gone out.
Way to the movies
Loved to be a cinematographer. Don’t know how. Cousins knows no one will agree. Especially being from a Muslim background would never agree. As my father and mother were artists, they wanted to make me an artist. Umma was a good dancer. But the family would not agree, so Umm had to be the housewife. But mother expected a lot from me. I was familiar with MT sir in my childhood. When the desire for acting is indicated, they say ‘let the child learn’. He joins Kalabhavan because of his love for art.
One of the crew members of Daisy movie came to watch one of my dance performances. His name was Saifuddin. After watching the dance he talked to papa and mummy. “A film called Daisy is being shot and the office is a concert hall. Thomson Films is exclusively for new releases. If Tesni likes to act in movies, come and try.” We went and met Thomson Babu sir. He got selected right away. It is said that there are five friends in the film and one of them is. I have to show a face, that’s all I need. It’s a time when you don’t know what will take you further as a profession.
MT sir came and saw Daisy on the set. He said let’s watch the next movie. So Aranyakam was booked as Parvathi’s sister-in-law. Later, for some reason, Parvathy’s sister-in-law acted in it. After that, MT sir called me to Vaishali. In those days production controllers called for small roles. Phone numbers will be given to several people. So I got some baby movies. I didn’t know then that I would be typecast. Later he got good roles in Sathyan Anthikad’s films. ‘Always goodies’, ‘A few household things again.’ After that the movie is seen seriously.
Word of Lohitadas
Once Lohisar said, it is coming well, we have to try again. You can reach heights if you try. But he was not lucky enough to do some of his films. Even after that, no good roles came. I don’t know any PR for it then and now.
Full of dialogues
That was the only wish. A few serials were made in the past for that one happiness. Later I felt that I could stay in the movie. I want to do a character that is not cut in editing. He started getting good roles even though they were small. Even if it’s just a single scene, he will go and act. Also, I didn’t have the get-up to give good roles back then. There was no color or shape for the filmmakers. Today, acting is not looking for beauty. Times have changed. Not only skill but also luck. It takes some luck to get a space on the big screen and to know ten of us. There will be many names in Kerala itself to point out as a film actress. But to be a good actress you have to work hard.
New movies and opportunities
PRO will come in every cinema set. They will take photos and interviews. It will come in the next nana or silver star. Phone number will also be given. When the number gets in the hands of the controllers, an artist will be remembered when the movie discussions are going on. Some won’t call, some will.
That role is lost. Cried a lot
In Padmarajan’s film Thirumpakkam, the character of mole who grows moles in Thilakan Chetan’s house. It was a thrill to play that character. The shoot was in Thiruvananthapuram. Jayaramettan, Rahman and Ashoka were the three heroes. Both the skirt and the blouse were sewn. He also went for the puja of the picture. Went to the set that day. After two days, after three days, no shooting. If you go shooting that day, you have to spend several days there; One scene or two scenes. The shoot is in Nagarkot. After three days, mommy said to ask Padmarajan sir. Then it was said that there is a change in the role. Another child will play that role. It is said that Moll has the role of a front. Had that character been cast, sometimes the caption would have been changed. The role was then played by a glamor boy who was with Vaishali. Bharatan sir had recommended it. Mini is a child from Chennai. There was a big difference between us. That’s a pretty smart kid.
When I think about it now, it seems that the decision taken by Sir is correct. It was an interesting child to see in that character. Went here after three days of work. I cried a lot that day. Unexpected and unfamiliar people have been given good roles. After some time, I got a good role in the movie ‘Karyasthan’. It clicked. It was only after 2000 that the cinema accepted me with open arms and started getting good roles. I should be 60 years old now. I hope to get great roles by then. That is my hope.
Kalabhavan and Abelachan
He was very fond of me. All the movie posters of Jayaramettan, who grew up from Kala Bhavan, used to be pasted on the wall in front of Kala Bhavan. He walks to where his father lives. Then it would be seen. One day I was called to the office room. “Did you see the poster? Abelachan asked when will you see your poster so big. Sadness doesn’t matter when people of our age do good roles. Escape when their time comes.
My mom and me
When there is love, you call me mommy. Mommy is happy. Mom is the same even if she is at home without work or busy. Even if I’m worried, I’ll be cool. When my mother gets tired, we go. Mummy doesn’t give up. They say, “You don’t have a ration card, you can buy rice, you have your own house, you will get what you have.” My wish is to die before mummy. What will you do if mommy leaves? Mommy is so strong.
Marriage, family, children
Not interested in anything like that. Not ready to take responsibility. Mummy should be watched till death. So let’s go like this. No husband, no boyfriend. There are no obligations. Living on our money. Fulfilling needs. Peace of mind. When I was studying, everyone said that I would be the first to get married. I used to have a terrible desire too. To live in Dubai with her husband and children. When I go there for foreign shows, I wish I could go there with my husband and children to watch programs like this. I wanted to live as a family woman. But I needed a job to help my father. If I get married, my family will be orphaned. Nothing can be achieved with uncle’s magic. Because I supported that day, it went like that. So our family was saved. Isn’t that success?