After a long hiatus, veteran actress Jyotika has returned to Bollywood this year, starring in critically acclaimed films “Shaitaan” and “Srikanth.” The actress describes this comeback as a “great surprise” and a testament to the transformative phase Indian cinema is currently experiencing.
Jyotika, who primarily worked in the South Indian film industry for the past 25 years, believes she has marked her return during the “best phase” of Indian cinema. “There is no North-South divide anymore, and the audience is looking at everything as one,” she affirms, expressing her pride in witnessing this transformation.
However, the 45-year-old actress acknowledges that Bollywood’s portrayal of South Indian culture still grapples with stereotypes. “I agree some things are done over-the-top, but sometimes how it is depicted here is overdone,” she cites the Rajinikanth memes.
Jyotika’s journey back to Bollywood has not been without its challenges. The actress recalls her initial struggle to find work in the Hindi film industry after her debut in 1998. “I did the rounds of offices and tried getting work, but I realized it wasn’t working for me. The game is that you must have your first film as a blockbuster or a hit,” she shares.
Fortunately, Jyotika succeeded in the South, and recognizing her talent in the regional industry paved the way for her Bollywood comeback. “Luckily, I had one film down South which made me drift away. That film didn’t do well either, but somewhere in the South, they recognized my talent. That is a little difference I saw in both the industries,” she explains.
As Jyotika continues to navigate the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, her return to Bollywood stands as a testament to the industry’s growing inclusivity and the audience’s eagerness to embrace talent from across the country.
