More About Jyothika

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What happend to ur recent films?

I think too many films came one after another around the same time. Things went a little haywire, as I had no control over the release schedules. Added to that there was no variety in some of these roles.

Are you migrating to Kannada?

No, never. I don't know who started these rumours. I did one Kannada film Nagarahavu, which was a remake of Shahrukh Khan's Baazigar. In the film, I did a dual role opposite Upendra, the superstar of Kannada. The film took about 100 days to be completed during which period, I was unable to do any Tamil films. Probably, this must have lent credence to these rumours. After that film I have not done any Kannada films, as my hands are full in Tamil.

Now you are trying to reinvent yourself?

I have been in the industry for nearly three years and I believe that I am here because of the goodwill and support of my fans. And producers sign me up even today, as I am professional to the core. If one has to remain at the top, then you have to constantly reinvent yourself and do challenging roles.

Who have made you a big star?

Yes, I owe everything to them. Can you imagine a Punjabi girl like me being accepted by the masses in Tamil Nadu?

You have been paired opposite younger lot of heroes like Vijay and Ajit. Has it worked to your advantage?

I have done four films with Ajit and the blockbuster Kushi with Vijay. But I have no inhibitions and I am ready to work with anybody. I even did 12B with Shaam who was a newcomer at that time.

What are your priorities while you choose a film?

I am energised by unconventional and challenging roles like the one I am playing in Dhool with Vikram. I spent hours discussing my costumes, worked hard on my expressions and looks and delved into the mind of the character I play. I want to play different characters so that the audience would not only appreciate me but the character should be etched in their mind.

But in a male-dominated industry, how can you dictate terms?

I agree that our industry is male dominated. But there is a lot of women power in Tamil films and in films like Dumm Dumm Dumm, Kushi and Poovellam Un Vaasam, my characters had equal importance as the hero. I feel that story and narration is important. A film like Snehithiye, where I was the central character, was a hit. There was no hero in the film. So, it is the story and presentation that are more important.

A bevy of new girls like Kiran, Trisha and Meera Jasmine are giving you competition. Please comment.

This is all the creation of the media, as we are very good friends. Recently, all of us had a blast in Malaysia during the Nadigar Sangam show. In fact, we even SMS each other and try to keep in touch as far as possible. Healthy competition always brings out the best in anybody.

The industry feels that you were far too expensive and that is the reason why you lost out to younger breed of heroines...

It is a myth that I was expensive and all the talk that I charge Rs. 50 lakh and more are all figments of imagination. How can I do that when the industry is going through a tough time? I have never charged a price that the producer can't afford.

What about the rumours that you are getting married to actor Surya?

I am fed up with these rumours. Ever since I did my first film Poovellam Kettuppar with Surya, the media has linked me with him. We are just good friends.

Will you be around for some more time as an actress?

I am doing four films in Tamil: Dhool, Kakai Kakai, Three Roses and AVM's next film where I play Madhavan's wife. I am trying my hand in Malayalam by doing a film directed by award wining director Rajeev Kumar with Jayaram.