She is an actress who has been a part of several hit films in Tamil and Telugu, including that unforgettable Telugu-dubbed Tamil classic Salangai Oli (1983). Now, several years later, her fans are delighted that she has assumed one more role and is all set to excel in that.
Veteran actor Jayaprada, who stole hearts with her realistic portrayal of characters, is now a successful producer. She has launched her son Siddhu as a hero through her own production.
Talking to City Express, Jayaprada says, “Tamil is a language that is close to my heart. It is a very proud moment for me because I have returned to the Tamil industry as a producer. I have reached a stage where I am in a position to give another hero to this industry.”
Talking about her film, Uyire Uyire (2016), which hit screens recently, she says, “I know what I have made. This film was a hit in Telugu. It was called Ishq there. This film has a wonderful and fresh subject. Tamil audiences expect decent films from me and the responsibility of providing them is mine. So, I thought my first film as a producer should be fresh, romantic and decent. This film is all of that. More importantly, it is something that has been made with great responsibility.”
From the decades she was an actor to the present time when her son Siddhu was launched as a hero in Uyire Uyire, a lot has changed in the Tamil film industry. Get her to comment on the issue and she says, “Being a producer is a challenge now. A producer invests money in a project, but if you were to make a list of those associated with the film, you’d probably find the name of the producer appearing last. It is even more difficult being a woman producer...we have to face a lot of odds.”
Being a celebrity, she has limitations when it comes to visiting places. But then as a producer, she has to be there in each and every corner. “For a lady, having the title of producer before my name feels good. Thanks to God, my producers and the industry, I have risen to a stage where I can produce a film. It is a big achievement. When I watch my film, I am happy as I forget all the hurdles.”