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This story is from January 21, 2019

I’m appalled at the pollution in Lucknow: TV actress Jaya Bhattacharya

The Lucknow-born actress, who was in the city recently says she realises that she hasn’t been aggressive in marketing herself as an actor
I’m appalled at the pollution in Lucknow: TV actress Jaya Bhattacharya
Jaya Bhattacharya at Lalbagh in Lucknow (BCCL/ Aditya Yadav)
Actress Jaya Bhattacharya experienced Lucknow ki sardi after several years during her recent visit to her hometown. “Abki bahut saalon baad maine Lucknow ki sardi ka mazaa uthaya hai,” says Jaya, who was here for a professional commitment. “I enjoyed the winters thoroughly and feasted on gajak, revari, gajar ka halwa, everything that I miss in Mumbai,” she adds.
Although happy with the development taking place in the city with the Metro construction going on in full swing, what bothered the 'Kyunki...
Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' and 'Thapki Pyar Ki' actress, was the air pollution in the city of her birth. “It’s appaling!” she exclaims. “Jahan jao wahan dhool, dhuan, the air is toxic in the city. Within a day of my reaching Lucknow, I had started coughing. It is a terrible state to be living in,” she adds.
On the professional front, the actress, who’s currently seen in the TV show 'Silsila Badalate Rishton Ka', says that she’s not got any offers recently for any show or films. “Silsila...might end soon and as of now, I don’t have any solid project in hand. I don’t have any films in the kitty, either.But then that’s because I have been pretty laid back in life. I’ve not been a go-getter and I guess that’s why I lag behind. But let’s see, I have realized this now so maybe I can change that about myself soon,” she says with a laugh.
Jaya Bhattacharya at Lalbagh in Lucknow (BCCL/ Aditya Yadav)
Jaya Bhattacharya at Lalbagh in Lucknow (BCCL/ Aditya Yadav)
Jaya Bhattacharya at Lalbagh in Lucknow (BCCL/ Aditya Yadav)
Ask her if she feels that it’s her age and her long years of acting in the industry that gets her few offers and that too mostly of a mother and Jaya says, “See, I personally don’t have a major problem with that (of getting to play a mother mostly). You do what you get. And in my case, I am mostly called for strong characters as I exude strength, which is really nice. I get to do some good scenes as an outcome of it. My body language, voice and my past shows have given people that perception. So I mostly get calls for portrayal of negative characters. But frankly, I am pretty bored of them now because a human can’t ever be only black or white. There are many shades in between too. The layers in between are where the artist’s hunger to perform gets satisfied. So yes, I would ideally want more variety even in the ma ka roles that I am offered. But then in whatever I do, I know I’m putting in my best and that’s why after 18 years in this field, I received the most prestigious award of the TV industry as Best Supporting Mother! I feel elated and blessed at being recognized for my efforts.”

A passionate animal and environmental activist, Jaya is known to look after the strays in the Film City in Mumbai and also those around her home. She was also part of the walk organised under the India Green and Wild initiative of a few citizens in Mumbai. “I strongly advocate sympathy and empathy towards animals. Why do people have to ill treat them. Yaar agar khaana nahi de sakte ho toh kam se kam maaro toh matt unhe,” she urges. “I’m always a part of such walks, talks and initiatives so that I can involve more people in such causes and motivate others to follow and believe in the cause of animal welfare and environment conservation. In fact, I will be coming to Lucknow for the India Green and Wild walk on January 29. I want the children of my hometown to grow up being responsible, sensible and concerned human beings,” she says emphatically.
— Itishree.Misra@timesgroup.com
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About the Author
Iti Shree Misra

Iti Shree Misra is a copy editor-cum-correspondent at Lucknow Times. In her spare time, she loves to read, listen to music and meet people, which helps her immensely in her work. She also loves to travel and explore new places.

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