Jyotika: 'I have worked with the biggest stars in south, kaun itna poster mein daalta hai'

Jyotika Pic/Yogen Shah

Actress Jyotika, who has predominately worked in Tamil cinema, made her Hindi debut in 1998 with the film 'Doli Saja Ke Rakhna' directed by Priyadarshan, with Akshaye Khanna, for which she also received a Filmfare nomination. She returns to Bollywood after more than two decades with 'Shaitaan' starring Ajay Devgn and R Madhavan.

At the film's trailer launch in Mumbai, Jyotika was asked what took her so long to get back. I just got diverted. I've been waiting for something really special. At this stage, you only want different work. So this was very challenging." ‘Shaitaan' director Vikas Bahl, who was also at the event, interrupted Jyotika and said, "The first shot we took of Jyotika, we were all sitting there and said ‘What a loss for 20 years, how could we not have her around.'

For those unversed, Madhavan and Jyotika have previously worked in films like 'Dumm Dumm Dumm' (2001) directed by Mani Ratnam, and 'Priyamaana Thozhi' (2003) directed by Vikraman.

When the actors were asked what surprised them the most about each other, the ‘Chandramukhi' actress stated, "The way Ajay conducted himself all through the shoot. I have worked with a lot of heroes, almost all down south. My last film was with Mammootty Sir. I've just learned one thing after so many years is, how you just give away. He has done this film selflessly. Even the poster, when I do films in the South heroes… kaun itna poster mein daalta hai. It's been a pleasure to watch Mammootty Sir and Ajay Sir, these are the real stalwarts of cinema I feel. You know lete toh sab hain dena bohot I think rare hai. They are giving back to the cinema and I think that's great."

In the film, Jyotika plays the role of a mother whose daughter falls victim to ‘Vashikaran' - a ritual performed by casting a spell on someone to gain control of their soul. She, along with Ajay fights Madhavan, who wants to take their girl away. Speaking about her role Jyotika said, "When it comes to a daughter, there is no bigger warrior than a mother. I have kids too. My daughter looks like Janki (Bodiwala), so I didn't have to put any effort into performing actually. I would just look at them and tears would start rolling. It is a vision of a mother. I think when there's a ghost in the film I am not that scared, but this is a reality, so it's scarier because it can happen to us."

‘Shaitaan' will be released in the theatres on March 8.