Hebah Patel Says Odela Shaped Her More Than Kumari21F!

36-year-old actress Hebah Patel, who hails from Maharashtra, made her debut in 2014 across three film industries Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. While she appeared in multiple projects, it was director Sukumar’s bold romantic drama Kumari 21F that turned her into a household name. Her portrayal of the fearless and emotional Meena Kumari grabbed attention, but her career soon hit a rough patch with back-to-back flops like Honeymoon Express and Dhoom Dhaam.

However, the tables turned during the lockdown when Odela Railway Station released in 2022. Directed by Ashok Teja and written by Sampath Nandi, the crime thriller was produced by Sri Sathya Sai Arts. The film proved to be a comeback vehicle for Hebah Patel, offering her a raw, intense role that showcased her depth as an actress. Audiences and critics alike praised her performance, calling it one of her most mature roles to date.

Speaking at a press meet in Hyderabad on Thursday, Hebah opened up emotionally about her journey. “Director Sampath Nandi trusted me when I wasn’t at my peak. Odela Railway Station truly changed everything. I was hesitant when I heard the role of Radha, but his faith gave me confidence. Even more than Kumari 21F, I believe this film shaped me as an actor,” she said.

Now, with the sequel Odela 2 set to hit theatres on April 17, the buzz is bigger than ever. This time, Tamannaah Bhatia joins the cast alongside Hebah and Vasishta N. Simha. The film, again directed by Ashok Teja under Sampath Nandi’s supervision, promises an intense thriller woven around supernatural elements. Hebah is all set to once again shine in a role that seems tailor-made for her evolution as an actress.