Known for her portrayal of antagonistic roles on TV, actress Jaya Bhattacharya has opened up about the challenges and decisions she has faced throughout her illustrious career. From films like “Devdas” and “Mimi” to popular TV shows such as “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” and “Thapki Pyaar Ki,” Jaya has recently made her return to the small screen with the newly launched show “Chhathi Maiyya ki Bitiya.” However, the journey to this point hasn’t been without its obstacles.
Jaya revealed that for seven long years, she chose not to work in the industry. “It feels like the word ‘negative’ is written on my forehead. I have been offered more negative roles in my career so far. The first negative character that I played, which got famous, was Payal from ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.’ People thought that I could not do any other roles,” said Jaya, explaining her typecasting dilemma.
The decision to take a step back from acting was born out of frustration and a desire for diverse opportunities. “For this reason, I did not work for seven years. I started having bouts of doubt about my talent. I questioned myself, whether I am an actor or not. Do people not feel that I can play other roles as well? Hence, I decided not to work for seven years. I didn’t want to only play negative characters; I wanted to play diverse roles and portray a complete character, which makes an artist feel happy and satisfied,” shared Jaya, reflecting on the years of self-imposed hiatus.
This period of introspection and restlessness draws attention to the pigeonholing that actors often face in the entertainment industry. Jaya emphasized how repetitive roles can stifle creativity: “If similar roles are offered repeatedly, the artist gets bored as there is nothing new to apply. If not completely different characters, one should allow the artist to experiment within the negative roles. When variety is offered, only then the character is known and makes a place for itself among the audience.
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In an unexpected move during 2020, Jaya decided to cut her hair short and eventually went bald. This transformation wasn’t merely for style or a role but was influenced by practicality and a commitment to her long-standing passion for animal welfare. In a candid video on her Instagram, the actress documented the moment she shaved off all her hair. Explaining her decision, Jaya told Bombay Times, “I am an animal lover, and I have been taking care of the strays in my area for almost 20 years. Now, given the coronavirus pandemic, safety and hygiene measures are a priority, and I was finding it difficult to manage my long hair. I stay with my father, who is 90, two staff members, who are like family, and four dogs. I step out at least thrice to feed strays and give food to the needy. Since I have to take a bath every time I come back, it was becoming difficult to manage my long hair.”
Her decision to go bald, marked by resilience and devotion, also highlighted her pragmatic approach to life, valuing practicality over vanity, especially during such unprecedented times.
In her new show “Chhathi Maiyya ki Bitiya,” Jaya takes on the role of Urmila, the stepmother of the male lead, Kartik, played by Aashish Dixit. Urmila’s character is layered, holding deeper complexities that will unfold as the storyline progresses. The show is a heartfelt family drama following the life of Vaishnavi, an orphan portrayed by Vrinda Dahal, who reveres Chhathi Maiyya (played by Devoleena Bhattacharjee) as her mother. The ensemble cast also includes Sara Khan, with the series airing on Sun Neo.
“Chhathi Maiyya ki Bitiya” symbolizes Jaya’s return to the television screen, representing not just another role, but an opportunity to portray a more nuanced character. This comeback stands as a testament to her persistence and determination to break free from the typecasting that once constrained her artistic expression.
The narrative of Jaya Bhattacharya is a compelling story of an actor who not only reinvented her professional path but also embraced change in her personal life. Her journey resonates with many who have faced stereotyping in their careers and showcases the courage it takes to step back, reflect, and eventually return with a renewed sense of purpose and versatility. Download the DNA app on Google Play Store for more updates and exclusive stories.
