by Subhash K Jha

Jaya Prada has found a new vocation in life. Not only has she turned film producer she's sung in the film.

"In fact," the actress reveals shyly. "I not only sang for the first time, it was a hip-hop song with Adnan Sami and Bappi-da, which was quite a novelty for me. I've been very busy with my political career.

But I was recently seen in Nitin Manmohan's Tathasthu with Sanjay Dutt and Amisha Patel. This was my first suspense thriller. So I'm doing quite a lot of things for the first time."

The beautiful actress laugh throatily. Time and experience haven't weathered her innocence and ebullience. Yes, Jaya Prada has taken the knocks of life well on her pretty chin.

"I want to return to films as a new Jaya Prada. I'm turning producer and I'm singing. Bappi-da and I go back a long way. ...remember, Tohfa, Maqsad, Sharaabi, Aaj Ka Arjun and all those hit songs he composed for me?."

When asked if she can sing Jaya Prada counters, "Wait and see. You'll soon know. I love to challenge myself all the time."

Her first production will have the spectacular cast of Priyanshu Chatterjee and Irrfan Khan. "I'm not paired with either. It's a very different kind of film to be directed by Kittu Ghosh who's done short films before. He's a man of intellectual leanings. I wanted to do something different."

Another different film for Jaya Prada is Mahesh Manjrekar's Deh where she plays Dino Morea's senior love-interest. "That again gives me a chance to do something away from my sweet image. I can't do the conventional heroine's role."

She thinks politics has helped her to hone her identity. "Wherever I go people recognize me as Jaya Prada the dafli-wali from Sargam. I'm flattered that they still remember my first Hindi movie. They always want to know after a political rally when my next film is releasing. Being an actress has been a plus point in politics.

I've never said no to acting offers. At the height of my film career I joined politics because I felt I had more to do than just act. I'm proud to say I'm not like some other actors turned MPs who are accused of not doing anything for their constituency.

I'm proud to say I've brought 300 crore rupees to my constituency. I don't want to feel I've neglected either of my two activities as a politician and actress. Now even when I'm returning to films I feel I never left. People in the industry tell me they've missed me."

She's looking for a new image. "Till date people miss me. I still remember the great Satyajit Ray's compliment. To be called a beautiful lady by a man of his stature, is not a small thing."

Does Jaya Prada think she's beautiful? "How can I say that about myself? I'm thankful to my parents for passing on their genes to me. They've given me a wonderful life."

Finally she speaks about her controversial alliance with Amar Singh. "He's my mentor and guide. When I was isolated politically Amar Singhji took me into the Samajwadi Party. It's rare for someone to give you a helping hand when you're going through rejection. Amar Singhji and Sahara-shree Subrato Roy have supported me. I'm so lucky to have such good people around me."