Sheena Chohan bagged two Best Actress awards at international film festivals this week, for her film Amar Prem, which was launched in the main pavilion at Cannes, the most important film festival in the world.
Sheena was the lead actress in the love triangle with a twist – she plays a symbol of pure love and female strength in the bittersweet tale which was unveiled at Cannes by Mr. Sanjiv Shankar, Joint Secretary for Information and Broadcasting.
The film, produced by Manoj Pandya of The Great India Film Television (GIFT) in association wiith Jannat Movies has collected 15 international awards since it was launched at the NFDC Bharat Pavillion – two of those awards being Best Actress for Sheena Chohan.
Sheena said: “To understand and fit into this interesting character I had to do a lot of research into women who had suffered what my character suffers in this story. It’s a big plot twist, so I can’t give it away, but I had to find and sit with various women who had gone through what my character goes through, which was emotionally tough – but I had to confront it so I could understand that low emotional range and truly be a blank page for my director. So now, winning two Best Actress Awards in one week, and feeling such joy, really brings my journey on this film full circle.”
With Amar Prem currently succeeding on the international film festival circuit, here’s a look at Sheena Chohan’s other releases this year, including her Bollywood Debut with Sant Tukaram:
1. ‘Sant Tukaram’ – Avali, The Saint’s Wife
Sheena takes on the historical and female-led role of Avali in the upcoming Bollywood film ‘Sant Tukaram’, in the female lead opposite Subodh Bhave, directed by Aditya Om. Portraying the wife of the revered saint, Sheena brings depth and nuance to this significant character, capturing the spiritual essence and unwavering support Avali provided to her husband. This role is a testament to Sheena’s ability to embody complex, historical figures with grace and authenticity.
2. Untitled South Telugu Entertainment Film – A Daring Cop
In an exciting South Telugu project, alongside JD Chakravathy, Sheena will be seen in a powerful cop role. This character showcases her versatility as she steps into the shoes of a courageous and determined law enforcement officer. The film promises high-octane action and drama, with Sheena delivering a performance that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
3. Mythical Series – Lillith, The She Devil
Embracing a negative lead, Sheena transforms into Lillith, a mythical she-devil who is the ex-wife of Adam in the Bible, in an upcoming web-series. This role allows her to explore darker, more complex facets of her acting range. Her portrayal of Lillith is expected to be both chilling and mesmerizing, highlighting her ability to tackle challenging and unconventional characters.
4. ‘Amar Prem’ – Symbol of Shakti as a Doting Wife
Premiered at the official India Pavilion at Cannes 2024, In ‘Amar Prem,’ Sheena embodies the symbol of Shakti, playing a devoted and loving wife. This role underscores her talent in bringing emotional depth and strength to her characters, showcasing her as a pillar of resilience and compassion.
5. ‘Nomad’ – A Traveller in Hollywood
Recently wrapping up ‘Nomad,’ a Hollywood film directed by Taron Lexton, where she plays a traveller, Sheena continues to expand her international presence. This film equalled the Guinness Book of World Records for the film shot in the most countries – 26. This role required her to delve into the life of a wanderer, bringing a unique perspective and emotional intensity that resonates deeply with audiences.
After five years of theatre in Kolkata and Delhi, Sheena Chohan was launched alongside Malayalam megastar Mammootty in a film by seven-time National Award Winner Jayaraj. She played the lead in two films by National Award Winner Buddhadeb Dasgupta and was nominated as Best Actress at the Dubai and Shanghai Film Festivals for her film ‘Ant Story,’ which was bought by Netflix. Sheena played alongside Madhuri Dixit in ‘The Fame Game’ and Kajol in ‘The Trial’ and will next be seen as the lead female role in Aditya Om’s ‘Sant Tukaram,’ opposite Subodh Bhave. Sheena is the South Asia Ambassador for humanrights.com, where she was awarded the Human Rights Hero Award at the United Nations for spreading awareness of basic rights and equality to over 170 million people. She was recently awarded the President’s Award in the US, signed by President Biden, for her humanitarian work.
With such a dynamic range of roles, Sheena Chohan is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the film industry, captivating directors and producers with her remarkable talent and versatility.
