“I Broke Down on That Set”: Tesni Khan Opens Up

Veteran actress Tesni Khan, known for her long-standing presence in the film industry, recently shared an emotional account of a missed opportunity that could have shaped her career. Though she began her journey with small roles, Tesni believes she has yet to receive the recognition and opportunities she deserves. Her mother, a constant pillar of support, had always dreamed of seeing her daughter become a prominent actress.

Speaking about the Malayalam film Moonnam Pakkam, Tesni recalled the heartbreak she experienced during its production. “We were set to begin shooting in Nagercoil. I still feel immense sorrow when I think about it. My mother was incredibly enthusiastic about my acting career. She even cut a silk saree to stitch a skirt and blouse for me. I stood for the pooja ceremony, and after that, everyone went to their rooms. They told me they’d call me when my scenes were ready. I thought I’d stay for a few days, even if it was just for a couple of scenes.”

However, four days passed without any call for her role. Tesni eventually approached the director, Padmarajan, to inquire about it. “I used to call him ‘Uncle.’ When I learned he was in his room, I went to see him. He greeted me warmly and asked me to sit down. I asked him directly why my role hadn’t been taken yet after four days.”

Padmarajan reassured her, saying, “Let’s see tomorrow.” While this brought her some relief, Tesni realized the next day that the role she had initially been promised had been reassigned. Instead, she was offered the part of a friend to the heroine, Keerthi Singh. “I told him that this wasn’t the role I was supposed to play. He called me aside and said, ‘There’s been a change in the role. The money we agreed upon will still be given to you.’ He then consoled me, saying, ‘You’re talented, and you’ll do more films in the future.’”

Tesni admitted she couldn’t hold back her tears. “I cried my heart out that day. I was supposed to play the second lead. If I had done that role, my career would have been completely different,” she reflected.

Tesni further revealed that Bharathan had recommended another actress from Vaishali for the role she lost in Moonnam Pakkam. Though she ended up working for two days on the film and earned ₹6,000, Tesni acknowledged the industry’s preference for beauty at the time. “Back then, looks were everything. It’s not the same now. But starting with small roles stereotyped me into similar characters throughout my career.”

Despite these setbacks, Tesni continues to maintain her presence in the film industry. Her candid revelations have resonated deeply with fans, who admire her resilience and perseverance.