Eleena Koul, a notable Indian high-end luxury home décor consultant and actor, made her appearance in the 2023 film “The Kerala Story.”
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Born on 22nd December in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Eleena Koul Pandita grew up in the region, carrying the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Belonging to a Kashmiri Pandit family in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Eleena Koul is the daughter of Girdari Pandita and Geeta Koul, who works as a teacher. She has a younger brother named Eshaan. Currently unmarried and without children, Eleena Koul began working as a business development manager at “Sources Unlimited” in December 2022.
EDUCATION
Eleena Koul received her education at the International Delhi Public School Jammu (IDPS Jammu).
Eleena pursued her studies at the Institute of Home Economics in New Delhi and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Delhi University (July 2017 – September 2020). In February 2021 to October 2021, she also honed her acting skills by attending the Indian School of Acting in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Later, Eleena pursued a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication (2021-2023) from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
CAREER
In 2023, Eleena made her Bollywood debut with the film “The Kerala Story,” portraying the character of ‘Husn.’ The movie delved into the controversial topic of love jihad, exploring the alleged conversion of women in Kerala to Islam and their alleged abduction to ISIS-controlled Syria during the group’s peak. The release of the film’s teaser in November 2022, claiming the conversion of 32,000 girls to Islam and their forced association with ISIS, sparked backlash. The trailer was criticized for allegedly portraying the state as a hub of Islamic terrorism.
Journalist B. R. Arvindakshan from Tamil Nadu filed a complaint seeking a ban on the film unless the director substantiated the facts. The concern was that the movie could disrupt peace, unity, and integrity, leading to communal tensions. A case was registered under sections 153 A & B of the Indian Penal Code, which address promoting disharmony and enmity between faith-based groups. Director Sudipto Sen, however, addressed a press conference, assuring that the film itself would address all questions and concerns upon its release.
In addition to “The Kerala Story,” Eleena Koul played the role of ‘Roohi’ in a short film titled “Idli Amma” in 2023.
