Hanan Hameed (born 2 January 1997 in Ernakulam, Kerala) is an Indian social media influencer and actress from Madavana, Ernakulam. Born into a difficult family situation - with divorced parents, an alcoholic father, and a mother facing mental health challenges - she grew up determined to pursue education and self-sufficiency. She attended a government school in Ernakulam and earned a Bachelor's in Chemistry from Government College, Thodupuzha (Al Azhar College of Arts and Science). While in her third year of college, her daily routine - waking at 3am to study, cycling to the Chambakkara wholesale fish market to buy fish, and selling it in Thammanam after college classes to pay her fees - was reported by Mathrubhumi in 2018, capturing the imagination of Kerala. The story went viral and she received praise from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, politicians, actors, and film directors, including an offer of a role from director Arun Gopy. Despite facing cyberbullying targeting her choices and appearance, she persevered. She subsequently became a social media influencer, appeared in supporting roles in Malayalam films, and undertook bodybuilding and martial arts training after recovering from a serious road accident at Kodungaloor. In April 2023, Hanan entered Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 5 as the first wildcard contestant. She walked out of the house voluntarily after just 3 days (Day 18) due to health issues, finishing twenty-first overall.
Her viral life story as a chemistry student who cycled to the Chambakkara wholesale fish market at 3am and sold fish in Thammanam to fund her college education, which became an inspiration across Kerala after being published by Mathrubhumi in 2018.
