Jayabharathi Turns 70: A Look At Malayalam Actress' Journey In Cinema
Jayabharathi was known for her brilliant performances in films.
Jayabharathi, one of the towering personalities of Malayalam cinema, turns 70 today on June 28, 2024. In an illustrious acting career spanning over five decades, the veteran actress has proved her credentials in over 350 Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films. Let’s take a look at Jayabharathi’s acting career. She has won the National Film Award, Kerala State Film Award and Filmfare Awards South. Jayabharathi made her debut in the Malayalam cinema with the film Penmakkal directed by Sasikumar at the age of 13 in the late sixties. According to reports, she was in her 7th grade at the time of acting in this film. After the film’s schedule was wrapped up, the film’s cast including Prem Nazir and others made preparations for her to return to Erode, Tamil Nadu. Reportedly, Jayabharathi saw no further scope for her film career, as she hailed from a background where women acting in films was not seen with respect. Despite these setbacks, Jayabharathi made a comeback to the industry. In a short time, she caught everybody’s attention with a string of compelling performances. Her share of hit films include Muthu, Vembanad and No: 20 Madras Mail.
Besides her brilliant performance in films, Jayabharathi has also been a step ahead in terms of her social responsibilities. She had contributed Rs 10 Lakh for the Chief Minister’s relief fund during the Kerala Floods 2018. Jayabharathi had handed over the amount to the CM in person. A photo of her meeting the Chief Minister had gone viral on social media. Fans had heaped praises on Jayabharathi for doing this noble initiative.
Unlike many of her counterparts, Jayabharathi didn’t opt for politics as an alternative career field. In 2014, a prominent news website had enquired about her possibility of joining politics. Jayabharathi had denied any possibility of entering the political field. She had even said that she had no clue what politics is all about. Jayabharathi added that art is where her heart is and that is how she wants it to be.