Kochi: Hanan, the college student who sells fish on street in her uniform, is the new star on social media. The 19-year-old Madavana native became the centre of attention after media reported her life story along with pictures of her.
After a day's stardom and an offer to break into movies, eyes of suspicion turned to Hanan with a group of netizens alleging that the teenager was playing a fraudster for the promotion of a movie which she's set to act in. Ramaleela director Arun Gopy, who offered Hanan a role in his upcoming movie “Irupathonnam Noottaand” also acknowledged the suspicion in the credibility of Hanan's story and posted a Facebook status stating that he'll go back on his decision if Hanan's claims are wrong.
However, Onmanorama caught up with the managing director of Al Azar College, Thodupuzha, where Hanan pursues her undergraduate course in Chemistry. Mijas C K, the college MD verified Hanan's claims calling hers a 'genuine case.'
"It is true that Hanan underwent a surgery two months ago. Our teachers took her to KIMS hospital after Hanan suffered severe pain in her left ear during an inter-collegiate competition held in Maharaja's
college where she participated in an Oppana event. Doctors of KIMS hospital asked her to undergo the surgery immediately. Hanan refused and revealed that she didn't have enough money to fund the operation. A team from our management visited her rented house at Madavana and studied her circumstances. Her mother is mentally unstable. Her parents are long separated. Her only sibling is taken care of by her father's family. Hanan is single-handedly fighting her life to win bread,
to gain good education and look after her ailing mother. I funded her surgery and offered her free education in our college. Hanan refused my second offer and said she would pay her fees by doing jobs during free time. She has sought jobs as a TV anchor, a small-scale model and a junior artist on movie sets. She's selling snacks and fish in the market. There are many other struggling students in our college. Please don't torture Hanan and kill her livelihood," Mijas urged the netizens.
Hanan, angry and sad
When Onmanorama called Hanan to know her response to the negative propaganda, she broke into tears. “You made me a star overnight. You brought me dreamy offers like good education, good house and a role in a good movie. The next day you are calling me a fraud and taking away all the fortunes ruthlessly. Will I be able to sell fish on streets again? Will anybody consider me a normal working woman now on?" She asks with raging anger.
Hanan said that she doesn't disown the photos she's posed with celebrities. "I have visited several television studios, film locations and public places seeking roles. That is what a common movie aspirant does in Kochi. I have clicked selfies with the stars I have met and posted them on social media. I have done dubsmashes and posted them on Facebook. I'm a normal girl. I have done stage shows with local music and mimicry troupes. Now will all these restrict me from selling fish for a living?" Hanan asked, weeping.
“You circulate my photograph with defaming messages. I don't know where to complain against this. All I know is that, life isn't in favour of me. It has always given me tough times. I'll fight this also," she said.
However, Hanan is determined to survive the rough winds. "I didn't live with anyone's help till now. Not even my parents have helped me build a good life. I will continue to sell fish, snacks or
vegetables. I'll accomplish my dreams even if no one helps me. My only pain is that now I'll start getting mocked and teased in the public which I'm not used to. I shall cope with that too because even my mother is unable to understand my situation and console me," Hanan said.
