
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
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
Personal Info
Career Milestones
Film debut
View film →Highest rated: Punnagai Mannan (8.3)
View film →Iconic Roles
Guna
Played the female lead, a woman with a mysterious past, opposite Kamal Haasan in this psychological romantic drama.
En Bommukutty Ammavukku
Portrayed a key female character in this Tamil comedy film.
Defining Moments
Malayalam Film Debut
Made her Malayalam debut with the blockbuster comedy 'Ramji Rao Speaking', establishing her in the industry.
Lead Role in 'Guna'
Played the female lead opposite Kamal Haasan in the critically acclaimed film 'Guna', gaining wider recognition in Tamil cinema.
Filmography
See all 30 credits →







Career Analytics
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
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Did You Know?
Rekha was born in Kerala and completed her studies before entering the film industry.
She is known by her stage name Rekha, while her birth name is Josephine.
She has acted in both Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
Her Malayalam film debut was in the 1989 comedy 'Ramji Rao Speaking', which was a major hit.
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.