When I caught up with Reba John, it was clear that her passion for acting and storytelling transcends languages and borders. From Malayalam films to Tamil and Kannada cinema, she has created a niche for herself with her versatility and deep love for the craft. As we explored her career and philosophies on self-love, her journey came alive through her words.
I began by asking her: What are the key challenges you face when transitioning between different industries and languages? How do you adapt?
“Cinema is a universal language,” she said with conviction. “Once you’re passionate about acting, language becomes less of a barrier. My native language is Malayalam, and I’m quite familiar with Kannada as well. Telugu is a little more challenging, but I’m learning and hope to master it too. The foundation of everything I do is my love and passion for acting, and that’s what carries me through any transition.”
Reflecting on her career, I asked her about the role that stands out the most in terms of personal growth.
“Jacobinte Swargarajyam, my debut, will always hold a special place in my heart because it opened the doors to the world of cinema for me,” she shared with a nostalgic smile. “But one role that truly helped me grow as an actor was Anita. That character earned me recognition as a performer. People still remember me as Anita, and it’s a role where I felt I could push my boundaries and work to my fullest potential.”
Her career began in the reality show Midukki. How did that experience shape her as an actress?
“Midukki wasn’t something I initially pursued on my own,” she admitted. “A person in my life at the time encouraged me to try it. It turned out to be a transformative experience. I had the chance to share a platform with incredible personalities, and it significantly improved my public speaking skills and confidence. Those early experiences laid the groundwork for my growth in the entertainment industry.”
On her acclaimed role as Mayuri in Rathnan Prapancha, which earned her a Filmfare nomination, I asked about the preparation and challenges involved.
“A lot of people had asked me why I wasn’t doing Kannada films before Rathnan Prapancha,” she recalled. “I was simply waiting for the right script, and when this film came along, everything felt perfect. The story, the cast, and the crew were all incredible. Mayuri’s character was the heart of a story about uniting a child with their mother. It was challenging to do an entire film in Kannada, but thanks to my director and co-actors, it became a smooth experience. Shooting in Karnataka and Kashmir also expanded my horizons and helped me grow as an actor.”
With Valentine’s Day approaching, we naturally turned to the topic of self-love. What does self-love mean to her?
“Self-love is so important,” she emphasized. “Only when we’re full of love for ourselves can we truly give love to others. We’re often our harshest critics, always finding faults in ourselves while expecting love from others. This Valentine’s Day, we should focus on appreciating and loving ourselves. Once we do that, it becomes easier to pour love into our relationships—whether with our partners, family, or even our pets.”
Reba John’s journey is a testament to embracing challenges, staying true to oneself, and celebrating growth. This Valentine’s Day, her story serves as a beautiful reminder to love ourselves fully, just as we are.