Pathanamthitta, Kerala: Sebastian K Abraham, known in the film world as Anand Ekarshi, earned national recognition with his debut film Aattam, which won three prestigious awards, including Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing at the National Film Awards. Despite his early success, Anand remains grounded, attributing much of his achievement to his theatrical roots and unique journey in cinema.
Born as Sebastian, Anand was always called by his nickname within his family, a name that resonated with his cheerful and inquisitive nature. His journey of self-discovery led him to adopt the name Anand Ekarshi, inspired by the Mandukya Upanishad, meaning 'one who travels alone'. This philosophical approach to life aligns with his independent spirit, which took him on a 110-day journey across India from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, cementing his connection with his new name.
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Theatre roots
Anand’s passion for acting began in his school days, where he excelled in youth festivals. He further honed his craft at Rajagiri School in Ernakulam, later joining Dr Chandradasan’s Lokadharmi Theatre, where he spent a decade performing. His theatrical experiences, particularly his portrayal of 'Bheeshmar' in Karnabharam, laid the foundation for his future in cinema.
Anand's transition to filmmaking was a natural progression from his theatrical background. Starting with documentaries and commercials, he eventually worked as an assistant director on Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha in 2014. His first major cinematic success came with Aattam, a project inspired by his theatrical experience and supported by his friends from the theatre community, including actor Vinay Fort and producer Dr Ajith Joy.
Anand believes that winning awards does not burden him, and he aims to create more popular films in the future. Anand is currently working on new projects, promising to bring fresh perspectives to the film industry.
Though his family home is in Mallappally, Anand now resides in Kochi. His father, KM Abraham, who had worked abroad, is now back in the country, and his mother, Soumi, runs a playschool. At 36, Anand's dedication to cinema remains unwavering, much like the path he chose for himself - one of self-reliance and boundless passion for the art of filmmaking.
Published: 24 Nov 2024, 01:08 pm IST
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