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Gurnaaz Kaur
Sargam, Kaamchor, Sindoor, Ganga Jamuna Saraswati and the blockbuster Sharaabi — these are names of some of her memorable films. Jaya Prada, the diva of 80s, has had a remarkable career in movies, but she is equally known for her innings in politics.
Jaya is not only candid, but as graceful as we’ve seen her in movies. In Chandigarh for the mahurat of Punjabi film Teri Meri Gal Ban Gayi, directed by Priti Sapru, Jaya says her connect with Punjab goes back to the days when the state was battling the aftermath of Operation Bluestar.
Happy in Punjab
“I remember coming here during those days for a filmstars’ night, which was held to assure people that Punjab was free of crisis.” Today’s occasion though was more than just being a guest of honour. For Jaya, it meant standing by her ‘sister’, Priti Sapru, who has been her all-weather friend. “Priti and I are very close and we’ve always been there for each other. I am quite impressed with the growth of Punjabi films. I’ve witnessed its make-over; it is no more just a regional industry. It has an international reach and is competing with Bollywood, so I am very happy to be promoting a subject that is contemporary and an industry that contributes to the country’s economics.”
Balancing act
With an illustrious career spanning over 30 years, she has done 300 films and there is no stopping her. “I’ve done films in seven languages, been a part of TV and now I am doing a web series that will release in August. I am equally active in both politics and acting,” she says proudly. She adds, “That’s not all, I also run educational institutes and have a dance group called Amrapali.” With so much on her plate, her strength to balance these activities comes from people. “Some people are blessed to work for people and I am one of them, so I have to be among people, people and more people.”
Once called ‘the most beautiful face on the Indian screen’ by an otherwise reticent director Satyajit Ray, Jaya surely has had an indelible presence on the big screen, but her political career hasn’t been a smooth one. She is aware and says it has only made her stronger.
Stars and politics hasn’t been a great formula, but this star-turned-politician says there are many factors at play. “I joined politics to serve the society, but we have to be careful about whom we are getting associated with. Many parties cash-in on our popularity; stars become the bridge to garner them votes, so we have to be careful about it.”
For now, she plans to get associated with films that are subject-oriented, reflect reality and carry a message!
Priti turns director again
With Teri Meri Gal Ban Gayi, Priti Sapru will don the director’s hat after 14 years. Back in the day, she was the first woman in the Punjabi film history to direct a film. This long gap, she says is because, “Cinema is a powerful medium that has a long-term influence on the masses, so I wanted to tell a story worth their time.”
Akhil, Rubina Bajwa in lead roles
The movie stars Rubina Bajwa and Khaab-fame singer Akhil in the lead roles. Akhil chose to debut with it because he could relate to the character. “I have said no to two-three films before because I wasn’t convinced about the roles. I play a college-going boy in the film. When Priti ma’am narrated the story, I felt a direct connect with the character. I thought I won’t really have to act, but just be who I am.” Already four films old, Rubina said a yes because of two reasons. “I didn’t mind that it was Akhil’s debut, as I’ve known Akhil and been a fan of his music. Another important factor was the character. I get to play a girl who dominates her boyfriend, is independent, which would be fun. It’s a light musical love story.”
gurnaaz@tribunemail.com
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