Eesha Rebba: I’m greedy for well-written characters, not screen time

Eesha Rebba reflects on her career journey, the challenges of female roles, and aspirations to direct in the future.

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