Jyotika's return to Hindi cinema after a 25-year hiatus has been a pleasant surprise, both for her and for the industry. Having made her debut in 1998 with Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, she stepped back from Bollywood to focus on her career in South Indian cinema. This year, she made her comeback with two films, Shaitaan and Srikanth, both of which were well-received by critics and audiences alike.
Jyotika attributes her successful return to the fact that she has matured as an actor and that the Indian film industry is currently in a best phase where there is no longer a divide between North and South cinema. She believes that audiences are now more receptive to diverse content, and she is eager to explore new roles and challenges in Hindi cinema.
While Jyotika is grateful for the opportunity to work in both Hindi and South Indian films, she acknowledges that there are still some stereotypes associated with South Indian cinema in Bollywood. She points out that while certain aspects of South Indian culture, such as the love of Idli-Sambar and action films, are often exaggerated in Bollywood portrayals, these depictions often miss the mark.
Jyotika's decision to move to South Indian cinema was not a matter of choice but rather a result of the lack of opportunities in Bollywood. After her debut film failed to make a significant impact, she struggled to find work in Hindi cinema. However, she found success in the South, where her talent was recognized and she was able to establish herself as a leading actress.
Jyotika reflects on the differences between the Hindi and South Indian film industries, noting that in the South, talent is recognized even if an actor's debut film does not perform well. This, she says, is a key difference between the two industries.
Overall, Jyotika's return to Hindi cinema has been a positive experience, and she is optimistic about the future of both Hindi and South Indian cinema. She believes that the lines between the two industries are blurring, and that audiences are increasingly embracing diverse content. As an actor, she is eager to continue exploring new roles and challenges in both Hindi and South Indian films.
