Reenu Mathews must be the only actress in Malayalam cinema who has flown for more than 90 hours in just a month. The actress who also works as a cabin crew with the Emirates airlines has been enjoying these journeys for the last 15 years. Reenu is currently in self quarantine at her flat in Dubai. The actress speaks about it, her career and her plans in the movies.
Evacuation duties
Reenu complains that no one discusses about the challenges faced by the airline crew when it comes to corona relief works. She says there is a huge risk involved in her line of job.
“Our duty is to take the passengers safely to their destination. During the corona virus outbreak, urgent evacuations were carried out all around the world. Our airline stopped flying on 25 March. I was at Melbourne in Australia then. I took a Covid test as soon as landed back in Dubai. Luckily, I am alright and am in home quarantine right now. At Melbourne, we weren’t allowed to get out of our hotel. The world is on high alert due to this pandemic. So, no one should make any compromises. Many people asked me on social media whose face I would like to see first when the lockdown is lifted. I would obviously like to see my mother. When we are alone, we wish for all our loved ones to be near us. That is the only sad thing about sitting alone in this flat,” says Reenu.
Sleeping patterns
Reenu says airline professionals like her face severe sleep deprivation as they have to work in different time zones while flying on international flights. She thinks lockdown may be the time to bring some discipline and order back into lives. Reenu prefers reading and cooking her favorite dishes to beat the boredom. She also like sharing beauty tips with her followers on the social media. The actress has some incredible skin care tips for the summer season.
Changing times
Reenu says air travel has changed a lot since the time she joined as a cabin crew 15 years ago. “For instance, our A380 aircraft has a lounge, shower, internet and other facilities. We are more connected with the world. We often have to say the passengers’ names when we serve wine at the premium cabin. Pronouncing the French and Russian names is quite difficult. So, we ask them how they would prefer to be addressed. They may let us call a pet name if they have one; while others would tell us the correct pronunciation,” explains Reenu.
Career and cinema
Reenu’s movies are often played in her flights in the I - system. Most of her colleagues are from various countries and they hardly know that Reenu is a well known actress in Kerala. Reenu confesses she pulls their legs by showing them the songs that she had acted in and asks them whether the actress in the video looks like her. Reenu says people often ask her whether she could do movies while staying in another profession.
“There are a few actresses in Malayalam cinema who manage two professions. Asha Sarath manages dance and cinema together. Similarly, Nyla Usha works in the movies while being an RJ. I had decided that I would do movies if good opportunities come my way. I never wanted to act in all the movies that I was offered. But, I had to give up a few films due to my busy schedules and difficulties in adjusting leave. At least some people think that the job of an air hostess has age limits. American Airlines has an air hostess who is 78 years old. The most important thing is to be as fit as possible. You could do any job if you are healthy and fit,” Reenu signs off.
