I miss KB sir and Tamil cinema: Jayasudha

Yesteryear actor-politician Jayasudha Kapoor chose to be away from the arc lights because her priorities have always been her family and social work. It was the veteran filmmaker K Balachander, who gave her a small role in Arangetram (1973), where she was seen alongside Kamal Haasan. She was barely 14 at that time.She went on to do films like Sollathaan Ninaikkiren (1973), Naan Avanillai (1974), Apoorva Raagangal (1975) and so on. In Telugu cinema, she acted in more than 300 films in a career spanning more than three decades. This year, Jayasudha made her silverscreen re-entry with the Karthi-starrer Telugu-Tamil bilingual, Oopiri-Thozha. 

A quick chat with the versatile personality, who was in Chennai for Gollapudi Srinivas Memorial Award.

Do you miss seeing yourself onscreen?

(Smiles) I was really busy during those days doing multiple films at a time. In fact, 24 films of mine were released in one year! Now, I am chilling. I have had enough — dancing around the trees with a lot of heroes! Though I did receive many offers post marriage, I was quite selective. Even now I am! Since I like to give it my best in whatever I do, I couldn’t accept many films. I didn’t want to do the routine mother and sister roles. I am content rather being home, cooking, spending time with my family. More than anything else, I miss wearing those colourful clothes, jewellery etc. I almost got to wear a new dress every day. (laughs)

What made you choose Oopiri-Thozha?

I wasn’t keen on acting since I am primarily involved in social work. Acting is not my priority now. When time permits, I commit to projects. But when director Vamshi insisted that I listen to the script, I did and I loved it! Since I love my comfort zone, I never want to come out of Hyderabad. Also, it was a bi-lingual; so it was a kind of comeback in Tamil cinema, too. I think after Mani Ratnam’s Alaipayuthey (2000), this film interested me.

Do you watch films now?

Not really. Whenever my sons recommend in Tamil, I watch only those films! I have other things that needs my attention. I joined the Telugu Desam Party to serve people. I design costumes, saris, in particular. I started designing them only as a pastime. Eventually, I developed an interest towards it. Then, voluntary work takes up most of my time. Every day has been a new experience for me. And I am still learning.

How close is Chennai to your heart?

Well, I will always belong to this place. I was born in a hospital, opposite Chepauk ground. I miss KB sir, Tamil cinema and everyone. When I am here, I make sure I go to the beach and hog on freshly-fried bhajjis and yummy sundal. Besides some of the beautiful temples, this city has the best Kumbakonam style kaapi and food. And there is so much more. Since I am from here, I didn’t know to read or write Telugu. Trust me, they used to read the Telugu dialogues and I could remember everything and just deliver them. I neither wrote it down in English nor Tamil.

You have been in the film industry for a long time. Share with us some of your memories and misgivings...

I had the good fortune to work with amazing directors and actors. So, it wouldn’t be fair if I complain. But I think south cinema should be more open to characters which are tailor-made for actresses. I don’t think many here experiment with a full-on musical or song-less movies or science fictions. When I was a heroine, the male lead used to be 30 years older than the leading ladies. I guess, it’s still the same. This needs to change. When actors who are ‘old’ can be the hero even now, why shouldn’t actresses?

(The piece was originally written for The New Indian Express)