'Special passion for Malayalam films'

Meaningful role

“I have a great passion for Malayalam films. I have enthusiastically waited for seven years for these kind of roles. Everyone thinks Jaya Prada means glamour,” Jaya Prada said.

“While Malayalam films give importance to classical works, films in other languages stress on commercial values,” she said. The 49-year-old has been promoting Pranayam, an offbeat Malayalam film by Blessy, in which Mohanlal, Anupam Kher and Jaya Prada have come together for the first time. Love, companionship and togetherness are integrated to form the underlying theme of the film, which is not a triangular love story.

“I have always done women-oriented films, but this film is different. Marriage may collapse, but you do not have to be depressed. There is life ahead. Marriage is a respectable institution. Love also gives meaning to a relationship,” she said.

When asked if she would concentrate on her political career or acting, Jaya Prada said when she joined politics, everyone said it was because roles were not coming her way. “Now when good roles are coming, I am asked if I will continue in politics.”

On her character Grace in Pranayam, Jaya Prada said she is confident that people will remember her even 10 years hence, through this character. The Telugu actress said Mohanlal made her feel comfortable with the Malayalam language.

“I was like a school student.” When asked if she would do more films in Malayalam, she said, “It depends. I waited for seven years for a film like Pranayam. But it was worth the wait as this is one of the best scripts I have come across. If the script is demanding, I will certainly accept roles in Malayalam films,” she said.

Director Blessy said the portrayal of Grace was very complex. “Her character was sensitive and on the razor’s edge. One cannot overdo or minimise the emotions,” Blessy said.