Eesha Rebba: At this stage, I don’t need to prove myself

Eesha Rebba is soaking in the warm response to her performance in Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi (OSSS). “There were days when I felt emotionally drained after the shoot,” she recalls.

The Telugu remake of the Malayalam film Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, which released on January 30, may have had a slow start at the box office, but Eesha is encouraged by the appreciation coming her way — for both her performance and Tharun Bhascker’s. A voracious script reader, she admits that well-written roles for women are still rare. “When something this interesting comes along, I give it everything I have.”

Speaking about her portrayal of Prashanti, a woman navigating everyday patriarchy, Eesha says restraint was key. “Prashanti isn’t overtly expressive. For most of the film, she stays silent even as she has to fight for every aspect of her life — from daily choices to education. I related to that silence, to holding in aggression. It meant internalising her struggles and letting them show subtly.”

Eesha made her debut in 2012 with Sekhar Kammula’sLife Is Beautiful and landed her first lead role the following year in Mohanakrishna Indraganti’sAnthaka Mundu Aa Tarvatha. “I am grateful for the good work that has come my way. From the beginning, my performances have been appreciated,” she says.

The journey, however, has not been without its challenges. Telugu-speaking women are often overlooked for lead roles in star-driven films. Eesha chooses not to dwell on it. “At this stage, I don’t feel the need to prove myself. My focus is on choosing films that truly interest me — even if that means waiting a little longer.”

Eesha Rebba
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Between OSSS and her previous film, there was a gap of two years. It was a conscious move. Season two of the Telugu web series 3 Roses kept her busy, but she wanted to evaluate her approach to films. “I watched films and reached out to a few filmmakers to let them know that I’d be game to work with them. Watching good films also helped me assess scripts that were pitched to me, better,” she reckons.

In the past, some projects she signed turned out differently from what she had initially imagined. She treated those experiences as lessons, choosing thereafter to commit only to films she felt fully convinced about.

Eesha Rebba
| Photo Credit:
Rahul Kumar/Special Arrangement

An MBA graduate who briefly explored modelling, Eesha says she entered the film industry without a plan. “I auditioned, got selected and came in with many dreams. Over time, I discovered how deeply I love acting. It’s a tough field, but every morning I wake up wanting to do better work. I don’t think I could have done anything else,” she says.

She speaks warmly of her mentor, writer-director Mohanakrishna Indraganti. “During Anthaka Mundu…, there were people who doubted whether I could pull off such an emotionally layered role. He was confident I could. As the film progressed and we watched the footage, the producers and others were happy with my work.”

Eesha notes that the digital boom during the pandemic opened up new possibilities. She was part of the anthology Pitta Kathalu and went on to appear in web series such as 3 Roses, Dayaa and Maya Bazaar For Sale.

Even so, she acknowledges that opportunities for female actors to truly perform remain limited. She is particularly uncomfortable with how the industry frames women-led stories. “We never call a mainstream film hero-centric, so why should it be any different for women?” she asks.

To bridge the gap created by the lack of strong roles, Eesha even considered writing. “That’s easier said than done. Writing is a lonely process and I’m not cut out for it,” she admits. “But I’m open to collaborating with writers to develop ideas. Maybe someday I’ll direct a film. I’m eager to learn the craft.” She points to peers like Tharun Bhascker, Adivi Sesh and Siddhu Jonnalagadda, who seamlessly move between writing, acting and, at times, direction.

Taking her time before signing her next project, Eesha says the most rewarding moments come from audience connection. “When women tell me they relate to what my character goes through in Om Shanti…, it feels fulfilling. I have a long wishlist — action films, thrillers and more. Irrespective of genre, I’m greedy for well-written characters.”

Published – February 05, 2026 03:41 pm IST