20 March 2025
Saleena Sadasivan is a London-based writer, director, and producer of Indian Keralean heritage, who explores cultural identity, spirituality, and social justice in her work. With a career spanning film, and drama, her work harmonises cross-generational narratives with philosophical depth, rooted in the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. A mother, grandmother, and former relationship mediator, Saleena infuses her art with empathy, humour, and a profound commitment to societal transformation. Saleena’s
work is deeply informed by her study of Advaita Vedanta under the guidance of Narayana Gurukula in Kerala.
Saleena’s interests in drama originated during her teenage years (1980-1985) while studying at Langdon School in East Ham, London. To raise charity funding for Africa in need, she scripted and directed a full play based on Cinderella, which was performed in front of the school assembly in 1984. For Sree Narayana Guru Mission of the UK, beginning in 1995, Saleena contributed dialogue for the short comedy skit “Chayakkadayil”, which was performed under the newly formed arts group of SNGM-UK. The skit was directed by Sajeev Sadanandan, jointly scripted by Ajitha Sadanandan, Saleena Sadasivan, Subash Sadasivan and Sajeev Sadanandan. During subsequent years, Saleena wrote and directed several plays and skits for SNGM-UK. Based on the drama writing and directing experience, from SNGM arts-based platform, Saleena gained confidence in creating scripts and directing for films: short film Knock of Janus, exploring menopause.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMIpvblQF_c
The Feature documentary film Guru Muni Being & Becoming, which delves into Selfrealisation and purpose through the life of Guru Muni Narayana Prasad, current head of
Narayana Gurukula, Varkala.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sj0vbynhEU&t=4s
Currently she runs a film production company DarlyVision Productions, based in Essex, UK. https://www.darlyvision.com/
Saleena's contributions to SNGM Dramas include:
“The Response” - 2013
Script & Direction by Saleena Sadasivan. Presented at the 2013 International Women's Day, “The Response” is a compelling short play addressing domestic violence, exploring cultural perceptions from both genders. The cast featured Sulochana Sreedharan, Beena Pushkas, Subash Sadasivan, Mallika Rajan, and Sumathy Ravindran. The play uses humour to spark essential discussions on
the societal impact of domestic violence.
<Youtube link TBA >
"The Wedding" -2014
Script & Direction by Saleena Sadasivan. Set on a wedding morning, "The Wedding" portrays family preparations and cultural beliefs about gender roles. The drama examines family dynamics, cultural expectations, and evolving women's roles. The cast featured Mrs. Sulochana Sreedharan, Mr. Keerthy Somarajan, Beena Pushkas, Mr. V. Giridharan, Jeevan Jyothiprakash, Anitha Mohanraj and Kiran Suresh.
<Youtube link TBA >
"The Brotherhood" -2016
Script & Direction by Saleena Sadasivan. "The Brotherhood," inspired by Chapter 4 of "The Word of The Guru,” from Nataraja Guru's
spiritual text, was performed at the SNGM-UK Guru Jayanthi Celebrations on September 18, 2016. Blending English and Malayalam, the drama highlight’s themes of unity, and spirituality.
Cast: Manoj Siva, Pravin Vijay, Subash Sadasivan, Mallika, Geeja Srilal, Satheesh Kumar, and Shalini.
Lighting by Subhash, Sound by others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sADEZNkTZg&t=2415s
"My Body, My Decision" - 2025
International Women's Day Celebrations 2025: Drama, held at SNGM-UK headquarters Script & Direction by Saleena Sadasivan
Actors / Characters: Cecilia (Aparna Souparnika), Alya (Rittu Sunil), Angela (Sasikumari Jyothtprakash), Sebastian Lopez (Jiby Gopalan), Beena (Manju Mandirathil), Dr. Nidhu (Rosy Sarasan), Jason (Keerthy Somarajan), Antony (Satheesh Kumar)
Assistant Direction by Leena Salim, Music arranged by Manoj Siva, Choreography by Dr. Mira Mahesh, Sound by Jayaprakash, Lighting by Subhash & Stage Design by Rusy & Sheema.
The play explores marital rape and reproductive rights amid Texas's restrictive abortion laws, using live choreography and music.
<Youtube link TBA >
“Storytelling is the mirror through which society confronts it’s contradictions and envisions its evolution.”
— Saleena Sadasivan