Jaya Prada, a prominent figure in Indian cinema and politics, enjoys widespread recognition for her contributions to both fields. This comprehensive biography delves into her life, career, and significant achievements.
Wiki/Biography
Lalita Rani Ravanam, known as Jaya Prada, was born on April 3, 1962, in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India. Her father, Krishna Rao, was a Telugu film financier. She received her education at a Telugu-medium school in Rajahmundry and pursued dance and music. At just 13, a pivotal moment arrived when a film director, impressed by her dance performance at her school’s annual function, offered her a three-minute dance role in the Telugu film “Bhoomi Kosam.” This marked the beginning of her remarkable journey.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5′ 1″
- Weight: 65 kg
- Eye Colour: Dark Brown
- Hair Colour: Black
Family
Jaya Prada’s family comprised her father, Krishna Rao (a Telugu film financier), and her mother, Neelaveni (a homemaker). She also has a brother, Raja, who served as her manager. She married film producer Shrikant Nahata in 1986; it’s important to note that he was already married with three children at the time.
She has three stepsons, one of whom is Siddhu.
Film Career
Jaya Prada’s acting career began with her Telugu debut in “Bhoomi Kosam” (1974). Her foray into the Kannada film industry followed with “Sanaadi Appanna” (1977). She made her mark in Hindi cinema with “Sargam” (1979), and her Tamil debut was in “Ninaithale Inikkum” (1979). “Iniyum Katha Thudarum” (1985) marked her Malayalam film debut. Her talents extended to Marathi and Bengali cinema as well. A celebrated dancer, she received three Filmfare Best Actress nominations for “Sargam” (1979), “Sharaabi” (1984), and “Sanjog” (1985).
Her career peaked in the 1980s, where she became one of Bollywood’s highest-paid actresses. Throughout her career, she starred in over 150 films.
Political Career
Jaya Prada entered politics in 1994, joining the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) at the invitation of N.T. Rama Rao. In 1996, she was elected to the Rajya Sabha, representing Andhra Pradesh. She also served as the Telugu Mahila President. After disagreements with N. Chandrababu Naidu, she left the TDP and joined the Samajwadi Party. In 2004 and 2009, she won Lok Sabha elections from Rampur. Following disagreements, she was expelled from the Samajwadi Party in 2010.
Subsequently, she joined the Rashtriya Lok Dal in 2014 and later the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019, contesting elections but without success.
Awards/Honours
Her accolades include Filmfare Awards South (Special Awards for “Siri Siri Muvva” & “Anthuleni Katha,” and Best Actress for “Saagara Sangamam”), and a Nandi Award for Best Actress (“Anthuleni Katha”). She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Controversies
Jaya Prada’s life has also been marked by several controversies. These include her marriage to Shrikant Nahata, who was already married, various election-related incidents, and legal disputes.
| Year | Controversy | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Election Commission Notice | Notice for distributing bindis. |
| 2009 | Nude Picture Allegation | Accusation against Azam Khan. |
| 2019 | Model Code of Conduct Violation | Case registered for road inauguration. |
| 2023 | ESI Non-Payment | Six-month prison sentence and fine in Chennai. |
Favourite Things
- Food: Pulihora
- Actor(s): Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan
- Film(s): 3 Idiots, Pulp Fiction
- Singer(s): Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
- TV Show(s): Kaun Banega Crorepati, Westworld
- Colour: Golden
Assets/Net Worth
In 2019, her declared net worth was approximately Rs. 27.92 Crore.
Facts
- Dropped out of B.Com.
- Learned Hindi for her film career.
- Re-launched in Hindi films by K. Vishwanath.
- Entered politics at the suggestion of N.T. Rama Rao.
- Founded Rashtriya Lok Manch in 2011.
- Owns Jaya Prada Theatre in Chennai.
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