I Have Never Surrendered To My Destiny: Jaya Swami

I Have Never Surrendered To My Destiny: Jaya Swami

Like film industry elsewhere, Ollywood too is male-centric where women-oriented roles are hard to come by. Despite the limitations, leading ladies have left their mark and a case in point is the versatile Jaya Swami who set the screen ablaze with her performances during the late 70s and early 80s. Besides her top-notch acting, songs from her films set the charts rolling. Who can forget songs like ‘Rakhichi Mu Saiti Kari Neija Mana Chabi Kathi’ from the film ‘Hakim Babu’ or ‘Rupa Heithiba Lavanyabati’ from the film ‘Puja Phula’!

Jaya’s sultry expressions and charming dance moves attracted audience to theatres and earned her several hits like ‘Jaiphula’ and ‘Avilash’. After debuting in ‘Jhilimili,’ she followed up with supporting roles in ‘Sati Anasuya’, ‘Sanskar’ and others and received her first lead role in ‘Samar Salim Simon.’ The actor has four state awards to her credit for ‘Hakim Babu’ and ‘Abhilash’ and two Manmohan Mahapatra directorial movies ‘Kuhudi’ and ‘Agnee Veena.’ Her dance duet with yesteryear superstar Aparajita Mohanty in the song ‘Kahana Ae Phula Kahana’ in the film ‘Phula Chandana’ is still much talked-about.

With more than 55 films to her credit, including a Bengali, Gujarati and Rajasthani movie each, the 54-year-old actor was last seen in the film ‘Bhagya Chakra’ in 2005 and recently in the television show ‘Samparka Hrudaya Ra’.

As part of the series, Legends of Ollywood, MCL caught up with the actor for an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts.How Did You Decide On becoming an actor without a background in acting, that too in Ollywood, considering you are not an Odia?

I was born at Choudwar, Cuttack where my father and elder brother were working. We hail from Vishakhapatnam. Although I began my schooling at Choudwar, I moved to Jamshedpur to my uncle’s place later and completed rest of my studies there. Upon my return, I came across an Odissi training centre, which had recently opened, near my place. The music from the training centre mesmerised me so much that I would stand near it and enjoy listening to it for hours. When my family saw my deep interest, I was allowed to take admission there. After completing my Master’s degree, I was preparing for ‘Bisarad. I was just 16 when I saw the shooting of the first Odia colour film ‘Gapa Hele Bi Sata’ near my home at Choudwar. That I think fueled my desire to act in Odia movies. I have never felt that I am not an Odia. I have always made sure that I deliver my dialogues in proper Odia. Unlike some other non-Odia actors, I have always dubbed in my own voice for my characters.

How Did You Receive Your First Break?

There was a distribution company called Kalinga Pictures at Cuttack who was hiring actors. When I saw the ad published in a magazine, I went to them along with my father. It was 1979 and I got my first break in the Sriram Panda and Mahasweta Ray starrer film ‘Jhili Mili’, where I played the sister of Sriram. Sriram and Mahasweta were supportive towards me. They guided me so well that it became easy for me to act for the first time.

At A Time When Pursuing Higher Studies Was Considered A Tough Call For Girls, How Did You End Up Acting?

My father was my rock-solid supporter. Although my mother was apprehensive initially, she was my guardian when I would go for shoots. My family members were always happy to see me on screen. My brothers and their wives have been supportive too. With Your Dance Background, Did You Ever Give In Your Inputs While Shooting For Songs?

Back then, dance masters came from outside the state. I sometimes did try to give my inputs and they were happy for that. I will not be wrong if I say that I have choreographed maximum portions of mine in the song ‘Kahana Ae Phula Kahana’.

What Was The Reason Behind You Taking A Break From The Industry?

I took a break in the mid-80s after ‘Hakim Babu’. Things didn’t appease me when producers and directors would finalise me for roles and later deny. After putting in years of hard work and establishing myself, such incidents used to greatly upset me and I decided to stay away from the big screen. I made a comeback in 2005 with my husband G K Yogesh’s directorial movie ‘Bhagya Chakra’.

How Did You Meet Your Husband?

Yogesh and I married in the year 1993. We met for the first time on the shooting sets. As he had his own film equipment that were used in shooting, he would come to the set often. I love his style of working.We worked together in three of his directorial movies.

In An Interview, You Had Opened Up About How You Were Discriminated Against Based On Your Skin Colour And Body Type. What Do You Have To Say About That Today?

Yes, it did happen and I befittingly answered all of them. We all know stars like Rajnikanth, Rani Mukherjee, Jaya Prada and many others are dusky but are phenomenal actors. Even though, during those days, there were just 13 districts in the state, our films were screened everywhere and producers and directors benefitted from it. I have always been dusky. Had that been an issue with the people I worked with and delivered major hits, they wouldn’t have cast me. Those who ridiculed me were unable to stand on their own in the industry.

What Do You Have To Say About The Current Trends In Odia Cinema As Compared To Your Era?

People say we had nothing in Odia cinema back during those days. If that is the case, why do people still watch our films and listen to our songs when there are better ways of filmmaking today? Ollywood has many talented filmmakers and actors. However, we need to focus more on the content instead of mindless copy-paste. Odia films need to be original in their content. I have less hope of Ollywood ever growing because I cannot see any significant change here. The standard is deteriorating rapidly. Not all but there are a few people in the industry who are responsible for this sorry state.

Is Your Son Planning To Become An Actor?

He is just 19 and pursuing his diploma in engineering. He is yet to decide which path he wants to take.

Is There Any Dream Role Of Yours You Always Wanted To Play?

I never surrendered to my destiny and fought my battle always. There are times when I feel I could have played a few more characters, but time is not in my hand anymore. I liked the character of Rani Mukherjee in the film ‘Black’ and had the desire to play a similar character in a film.

What Is Your Message To Aspiring Actors?

Be a good person first. Be honest and give your complete dedication to the work you want to do.