Jaya Prada: Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt would be ideal for 'Sargam' remake

It’s lights, camera, action for Jaya Prada, again. The actress, who had a glorious career both in the South industry and Bollywood before she entered politics, is back in the limelight. After doing some regional films — Telugu, Malayalam and Bengali — the actress is all set to make her fiction TV debut in Hindi with Perfect Pati. We caught up with the actress to talk about her show and her plans to do more movies...     

You must have been getting offers for shows earlier, too. What prompted you to do a fiction show now?

I always look for the content, script and my character. I found the role in Perfect Pati interesting. I play a mother-in-law who is a strong, dominating and progressive character. There are negative shades to her, too. I have a colourful style and since it is based in Rajasthan, there is that flavour. You’ll recall my song Gori Hai Kalaiyaan (Aaj Ka Arjun, 1990), in which I had a Rajasthani look — people will connect to that. Here, I have an ethnic look with a modern feel. Another thing I liked about the show was it is about today’s scenario. How the younger generation decides everything for themselves including their life partner.  Every girl has a dream — she wants a perfect husband. But that is not possible. There will be ego clashes and one has to compromise. Every mother feels her son is very good. It will be intriguing to see if she stands by her beta or bahu.

Shooting for a TV show must be different from films. How is your experience?

It is hectic. And, I am doing TV and films. This year, I have done six regional films, but I get satisfaction when I am back to my home — Bollywood. I don’t differentiate between films and TV, particularly Hindi serials. Yes, doing both is difficult, and though I don’t end up having any time for myself, I am happy.

When it comes to cinema, do you see a lot of changes in it?

Yes, everything from performances, music to technology has changed. As far as music is concerned, you won’t get to hear the melodies of ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Aaj rap milega sunneko. I miss the melody of my own songs (smiles). Technology has changed by leaps and bounds. Today you can make a Rs 200 crore film like Baahubali. As far as content is concerned, there are two categories — a true story like Raazi and a costume drama going back in time like Baahubali. 

What about performances — do you think there is more scope for heroines now that it was in the ’80s and ’90s when you played the lead role?  

Not really. Even that time in a film like Sharaabi, I had a lot of scope of performance alongside Amitji (Bachchan) or Sargam, which revolved around my character. Now, there are films like Padmaavat and Raazi. I think movies like Pad Man which reflect the society are being made more.     

No South heroine after you and Sridevi has been able to make an impact in Bollywood like you both did. What according to you is the reason?

The main advantage Sridevi and I had was that we acted in films which were South remakes. What we had done in the South, we did the same in Hindi. Also, when both of us did the South films we were very young, and when we made our entry in Bollywood with the remakes, we handled it better. Sridevi did Himmatwala, a remake (of Ooruki Monagadu), in which I had played the lead role. I entered with Sargam, a remake of my Telugu film Siri Siri Muvva. Whether it was Tohfa or Maqsad they were all South remakes. Also, they were mainstream dance musicals and that along with the characters made an impression on the audience. Besides, before us both, Rekha and Hema Malini, who are living legends, had come from South and we learnt a lot from them.

With past Hindi films being remade, which movie of yours would you like to see being made today?

There are several films but I would want Sargam to be remade because it is a film for all-time. It was extremely successful, it ran in the theatres for one year! It proved to be my successful entry into Bollywood. It remains fresh. It was a beautiful film full of dance.

Who would you like to see playing your and Rishi Kapoor’s roles?

Rishiji’s son (Ranbir Kapoor) will be the best to play his role. Woh koi bhi character apna sakta hai. Look at what he has done in Sanju. But it’s the director’s strength, too. And hats off to the screenplay. Honestly, we are all director’s artistes. As for my role, Alia (Bhatt) will be ideal to play it. She is sensitive, cute and a natural. She is  really good.

What next?

I am back to doing films. I have already done a couple of Telugu films, one will be releasing soon, and one Bengali film. Soon, I will start shooting for a Marathi film and I am in the process of working out a Hindi movie. The industry is my home. The moment I said I am open to doing films, I started getting a lot of offers.