# Bhavana's Heartfelt Revelation: "I Didn't Understand How Serious My First State Award Was" Imagine stepping into the spotlight at just 15, winning a prestigious **Kerala State Film Award**, and not even grasping its monumental weight—until years later. That's the candid story actress **Bhavana** shared recently, pulling back the curtain on her whirlwind early career.[1] In a revealing interview with host Pearle Maaney, Bhavana (real name Karthika Menon) reflected on her breakthrough debut in the 2002 Malayalam hit *Nammal*, where she played Parimalam and earned the **Kerala State Film Award Special Jury Mention**.[1][2] "When I received the Kerala State Film Award, I didn't understand its seriousness at that time," she admitted, noting she was too young to realize how revered such honors are in the industry.[1] It was only later, as fans and peers kept reminding her of the rarity of such recognition for a teenager, that the achievement sank in. "I am grateful now because I know how much love the audience gave her at such a young age," she added.[1] Bhavana's journey feels like a dream even to her. With no grand plan to become an actress—she'd always dreamed of it as a kid—the opportunity knocked right after her 10th standard. Films like *Nammal*, *Chronic Bachelor*, and *Swapnakoodu* followed in quick succession, marking her first international trip for a song shoot in *Swapnakoodu*.[1] Born to assistant cinematographer G. Balachandran Menon and Pushpa, Bhavana has since built an illustrious career across Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada cinema, amassing **two Kerala State Film Awards**, a **Filmfare Award South**, and roles alongside legends like Mammootty and Mohanlal.[2][3] Her path wasn't always smooth—2004 brought box-office setbacks—but triumphs like the 2006 **Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress** in *Daivanamathil* and her Tamil debut *Chithiram Pesuthadi* (earning a Filmfare Best Actress) solidified her stardom.[2][4] Today, as she gears up for her **90th film, *Anomie***—set for release on February 6th—Bhavana embodies resilience and gratitude.[1]
Bhavana in 2022 – A timeless star from her *Nammal* days to now.[2]
Citations
1.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/i-did-not-understand-how-serious-it-was-bhavana-opens-up-about-her-first-state-award/articleshow/127922480.cms
2.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhavana_(actress)
3.https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/bhavana/biography.html
4.http://indpaedia.com/ind/index.php/Bhavana_(Karthika_Menon)
5.https://trulylovable.wordpress.com/2009/12/06/bhavana-profile/
6.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhavana_(Kannada_actress)
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