Hanan Hamid, a third-year college student in Kerala, has become a mini-celebrity after her story of selling fish and doing odd jobs to support her family was reported by a local newspaper.
While her story has warmed several hearts, it has also come under criticism for being 'fake', with social media heavily divided on the issue.
Hanan's story went viral after it was reported by Mathrabhumi, one of the largest newspapers in Kerala. As per the report, the third-year chemistry student of a private college in Idukki sells fish after class to eke out a living.
Hanan's difficult circumstances are a result of her divorced parents since her father was an alcoholic and her mother is mentally-disturbed. As a result, Hanan was forced to work while studying.
Mathrabhumi reported that Hanan wakes up at 3 am to cycle from her home in Madavana to the wholesale market in Chambakkara to buy fish. She then transports the fish by autorickshaw to an acquaintance's house in Thammanam, Kochi.
Hanan then returns home, gets ready and takes the local bus to Al Ansar College, 60 km away from her home. After attending classes, Hanan takes a bus back to Thammanam, sells the fish and returns home.
In order to support her school fees, Hanan also used to give tuitions for children. She has also managed to find odd jobs around her interests in acting, dubbing, poetry and Kalaripayattu.
Her story went viral on social media within hours of publication, with thousands of people applauding her determination. Politicians and actors have also joined the brigade, praising Hanan's efforts.
Arun Gopy, a Malayalam film director, also came forward to offer Hanan a role in his upcoming film.
However, her trouble's haven't stopped as there has been a wave of outrage on Facebook with many people claiming that her story is fake and has been manufactured to fool the people of Kerala.
Hanan's Facebook account has also been flooded with abusive comments and threats, with many saying that the story was marketed to land a role in the movies.
"They are criticising me without knowing the reality. I am a poor girl who worked to eke out a living. My troubles began in the 7th standard. I have done dubbing, acted as a junior artist and took part in event management functions as a flower girl. But I have never approached a director or even knew anyone," she told Mathrubhumi.
Hanan's story was also verified by the director of Al Ansar College.
