By Jagmohan Singh Barhok

On Her Birth Anniversary

Jaya Prada, one of the most beautiful actresses of her time, was born Lalita Rani on 3 April 1962 at Rajah Mundry, Andhra Pradesh.

Interestingly, she enjoyed an iconic status in both Hindi & Telugu films. She also worked in Tamil, Kannada & Malayalam films, too. She ruled the roost in late 1970s,1980s & 1990s doing roles opposite most of the leading heroes.

She worked opposite Amitabh Bachchan in Aakhree Raasta, Aaj Ka Arjun, Gangaa Jamuna Saraswathi, Insaniyat, Sharaabi, Jaadugar, Indrajeet & Kohraam & Maqsad; Tohfa, Lav Kush, Aulad with Jeetendra. She featured opposite Vinod Khanna in ‘Ustaad’ & in ‘Sindoor’ (1987) alongside Shashi Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor. She worked with Rishi Kapoor in ‘Sargam’ (1979). One of the film’s songs ‘Dafliwale Dafli Baja’ became too popular. Married Srikanth Nahata in 1986.

Her interest in politics made her quit films & join Telugu Desham in 1994. She later joined Samajwadi Party & was a Member of Parliament (from Rampur from (2004 to 2010) . She later joined Rashtriya Lok Dal92014-2019) & BJP in 2019. Bestowed with 3 Filmfare Awards South & Nandi Award.

Born this Day in 1962.