Here's everything you need to know about Jaya Bhattacharya, who is known for playing antagonistic roles in TV serials.
After becoming a star overnight with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Jaya Bhattacharya was also seen in movies such as Devdas and Fiza. Read on to know what made her quit acting for 8 years from 2007 to 2015.
1. Jaya Bhattacharya in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
Jaya Bhattacharya became a star overnight after she played the antagonistic character of Payal Mehra in Ekta Kapoor's Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Payal was Mihir Virani's ex-fiancee and hence, Tulsi Virani's main competitor in the cult show, that aired on Star Plus from 2000 to 2008 for 8 years. Her other TV shows include Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan, Thapki Pyar Ki, and Gangaa among others.
2. Jaya Bhattacharya worked with Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai in Devdas
Jaya Bhattacharya's most popular Bollywood film remains the 2002 period romantic drama Devdas. She played Manorama, Paro's friend and was seen sharing the screen with Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. She has also appeared in brief roles in other movies such as Fiza, Lajja, and Mimi.
3. Jaya Bhattacharya left acting for 8 years
Revealing why she left acting for 8 years, Jaya told Navbharat Times in a recent interview, "I was constantly getting negative roles. That is why I decided to take a break from 2007 to 2015. There was nothing much to experiment in those roles. I was bored of all this. I even began doubting my acting skills. When you get bored of something, you have to take some step. Then, I decided that if I have to disappear to get out of all this, then I am ready for that too."
4. Jaya Bhattacharya helped people during the 2014 India-Pakistan floods
In her interview to the same portal, Jaya even revealed that she helped people during the 2014 India-Pakistan floods as she made sweaters, shawls, and shoes in her home and sent them to Srinagar with the help of her friend in the Indian Army. She shared that she was facing financial crunch at that time, but still wanted to help people.
5. Jaya Bhattacharya's NGO
Jaya Bhattacharya is the founder of the NGO named Thank You Earth, that works for animal welfare. She wants to open a hospital for animals in the future. She even provided ration for transgenders, sex workers, and stray dogs during the nationwide lockdown imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
6. Jaya Bhattacharya's latest TV show
Jaya Bhattacharya is now seen in the TV show Chhatthi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, which airs on Sun Neo, the 24-hour Hindi Entertainment Channel from the Sun TV Network owned by Kalanithi Maran. She essays the role of Urmila, the stepmother of the male lead Kartik, played by Aashish Dixit, in the family drama.