From Miss India contestant to viral ‘Hamam Amma’: Actor Mekha Rajan makes Mollywood comeback with ‘Theatre’

Who can forget the melancholic song of yearning 'Niranja Mizhiyum Thalarna Mozhiyum' directed by Isaac Thomas Kottukapally, which featured model-turned-actor Mekha Rajan. Fast forward 25 years, Mekha Rajan, who is half Malayali and Tamilian is back in the spotlight in Mollywood with her role as Dr Reshma Varghese in Sajin Baabu’s new film ‘Theatre: The Myth of Reality’.

The actor, has played small roles in Mollywood films in the past, including Mohanlal-starrer ‘Mr Fraud’ and Suresh Gopi's ‘Collector’. Though she was part of successful ad campaigns and TV shows, she had to take a long hiatus after she moved to Dubai following her marriage and the birth of her son.

But when she returned, she made a powerful comeback as a model, becoming the face of the popular soap Hamam, which is also known for its iconic ad campaigns promoting women empowerment -- a message that resonates with her belief.

The actor, who is an ardent fan of independent movies, first met director Sajin Baabu during one of the IFFK events in Thiruvananthapuram. She said she committed to the project because of Sajin’s vision as a director. “Sajin is that rare kind of director who is unafraid to tackle bold themes and tell difficult truths. Though Sajin told her about the project, she was pleasantly surprised when she landed the role in his film,” she said. She hopes her performance in the movie will land her more opportunities in Malayalam.

“I had received really good offers in the early 2000s in Malayalam, but I could not commit to them due to my marriage and other work commitments. However, I wish to concentrate on Mollywood now, as I believe it is an industry that is rewriting rules,” said the actor, who is also active in the Tamil film industry.

As an artist, Mekha is open to a wide range of roles, from action and comedy to more intense, psychologically complex characters. She will soon be seen in a film produced by Pa. Ranjith, along with another movie directed by Ameer. She told Onmanorama that she has a desire to take on roles that challenge traditional female portrayals in cinema, particularly those with grey shades or psychotic tendencies. "I’m agile, I sing, I dance, and even climb trees—I’d love to be part of Malayalam cinema," she said though she believes there is still a need for more varied and challenging roles for women in the industry.
Mekha’s roots in theatre, particularly with the Madras Players, an English theatre company, have also shaped her acting journey.

She is also happy when people claim that she bears a resemblance with Manju Warrier. “Some people in Tamil Nadu thought that I had acted in Asuran featuring Manju Warrier. I am glad people compare me with her as I see her as an extraordinary individual who has fought odds to be what she is today,” she said.

Air-hostess-turned-model
Before entering the world of acting, Mekha worked with Jet Airways for a year, which led to her relocation to Mumbai. There, she sent photos for the Femina Miss India contest, which marked her entry into the glamour world of modeling. Though she has stepped away from ramp walks, Mekha continues to model for various brands but no longer participates in catwalks. She first gained national recognition when she participated in the Femina Miss India contest alongside Priyanka Chopra, Dia Mirza, and Lara Dutta, with whom she spent two months together.

Upcoming projects
The actor was recently seen in the Revathy directorial ‘Good Wife’, in which she played a lawyer. “I played Priyamani’s boss in the series, which received some great reviews. Despite her popularity, Priyamani was someone who shared great camaraderie with her co-stars. It was equally nice working with Revathy, who is a really good director too. She has tonnes of patience and her experience as an actor also elevated the shoot experience,” she said, adding that there is a sense of comfort working with women directors.