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Reka

Reka is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Reka began their career in 1986 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 40 years. With 30 credits to their name, Reka remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 40+ years, Reka's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.

Born
30+Known Credits
1.9Avg Rating
veteranCareer Phase

Biography

Josephine, better known by her stage name Rekha, is a Malayalam and Tamil actress who acted in hit movies like Ramji Rao Speaking, Aey Auto and Sagaram Sakshi in Malayalam and Punnagai Mannan, En Bommukutty Ammavukku and Kadalora Kavithaigal in Tamil. She was born in Kerala and completed her studies at Ooty in Tamil Nadu. She now acts in TV serials and in character roles in films. She won Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam film Dasharatham

Career Stats

49Films
6.7Avg Rating
46%Hit Ratio?
33Yrs Active
1/10Versatility?
7/10Critical?
veteran?

Personal Info

BornMay 18, 1970
Age55
Known Credits30+

Career Milestones

1986

Film debut

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1986

Highest rated: Punnagai Mannan (8.3)

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Iconic Roles

Rosie1991

Guna

Played the female lead, a woman with a mysterious past, opposite Kamal Haasan in this psychological romantic drama.

Mercy1988

En Bommukutty Ammavukku

Portrayed a key female character in this Tamil comedy film.

Defining Moments

1989

Malayalam Film Debut

Made her Malayalam debut with the blockbuster comedy 'Ramji Rao Speaking', establishing her in the industry.

1991

Lead Role in 'Guna'

Played the female lead opposite Kamal Haasan in the critically acclaimed film 'Guna', gaining wider recognition in Tamil cinema.

Career Analytics

Language Distribution

Tamil
100%

Films by Decade

22
1980s
21
1990s
1
2000s
5
2010s

Top Co-Actors

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Visu
VisuDirector
Frequent Directors3 films
Rekha
RekhaActor
Frequent Co-Stars7 films
Senthil
SenthilActor
Frequent Co-Stars7 films
Charlie
CharlieActor
Frequent Co-Stars6 films
Prabhu
PrabhuActor
Frequent Co-Stars5 films
Ramarajan
RamarajanActor
Frequent Co-Stars5 films

Did You Know?

1

Rekha was born in Kerala and completed her studies before entering the film industry.

2

She is known by her stage name Rekha, while her birth name is Josephine.

3

She has acted in both Malayalam and Tamil cinema.

4

Her Malayalam film debut was in the 1989 comedy 'Ramji Rao Speaking', which was a major hit.

5

She played the female lead opposite Kamal Haasan in the Tamil film 'Guna' (1991).

Legacy & Influence

Rekha, the Malayalam and Tamil actress, carved a distinct niche in South Indian cinema during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Her career trajectory is marked by a successful transition from Malayalam to Tamil films, where she became a prominent figure known for her girl-next-door charm and expressive performances. In Malayalam, her roles in comedy blockbusters like 'Ramji Rao Speaking' and 'Aey Auto' established her as a versatile performer capable of handling both comedic and dramatic sequences with ease. Her portrayal in 'Sagaram Sakshi' further showcased her depth. Her entry into Tamil cinema was solidified with the musical hit 'Punnagai Mannan' (1986), where her dance number became iconic. She often played pivotal roles opposite major stars, contributing to the commercial success of films like 'Enga Ooru Pattukaran' and 'En Bommukutty Ammavukku'. A significant contribution was her role as Rosie in Mani Ratnam's 'Guna' (1991), a performance noted for its emotional resonance within a critically acclaimed film. Rekha's filmography, though not excessively long, represents a period of vibrant crossover cinema between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. She excelled in roles that balanced traditional femininity with a modern sensibility, often serving as the relatable romantic interest or the spirited companion. Her work, particularly in comedy and romantic dramas, left an impression on the popular cinema of that era, making her a familiar and beloved face to a generation of moviegoers. While she stepped back from active filming, her performances in key films remain a part of the nostalgic fabric of late 80s and early 90s South Indian cinema.

Frequently Asked Questions