Popular Marathi actress Smita Jayakar has been associated with entertainment industry for the past twenty eight years. After doing her graduation from St. Xaviers’ College and completing Law degree from Government Law College, Mumbai; Smita entered television, for the first time, presenting a knowledge based Marathi programme ‘Kaydevishayak Salla’ on Doordarshan. Those days, she also played a model for many advertisements. She was also part of few Marathi serials. But, when her Hindi serials ‘Mriganayani’ and ‘Ghutan’ invited the attention of Bollywood filmmakers, Smita found suitable character roles in the films of reputed film makers.
Till date, this talented beautiful actress has worked in number of popular Hindi films ; performing with many leading artistes from Bollywood, including Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan & Aamir Khan. How can we forget her memorable roles in films like ‘Pardes’, ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’, ‘Devdas’, Sarfarosh’, ‘Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani’ and ‘Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani’. Smita has also been a popular TV actress on Hindi television with some of her notable performances.
Having been brought up in South Mumbai, Smita married Mohan Jayakar, a solicitor, who is the son of esteemed Barrister M. Jayakar. After marriage, she shifted to Peddar Road , Mumbai; and today she is actively associated with her social activities, besides acting. After a successful modelling career, she had a break for few years and then focussed on her acting career, accepting character roles in Hindi films. She began with Subhash Ghai’s ‘Pardes‘ and then there was no stopping for her. She has worked with many top directors and actors in Hindi film industry. Realising her potential, Sanjay Leela Bhansali offered her suitable roles to exploit her acting skills.
In Marathi, Smita has performed in two plays – ‘Aai Retire Hotey’ and ‘Manaat Majhya’ and had done 5 Marathi films, out of which only two films ‘Chalu Navra Bholi Bayko’ directed by Anil Mohile and ‘Satvapariksha’, directed by Ramesh Salgaonkar were released. But, both these films, won her awards. Smita has also performed in English and Hindi plays. She has also toured abroad for her drama performances and is all praise for English theatre. So, it is surprising, as to why a talented actress like her, is not being considered by Marathi film and TV producers?
When asked to comment, Smita has her say, “I don’t know the reason. But, I am always available for Marathi films and TV serials. Even if there is any good script for Drama, I don’t mind doing it. Don’t know the reason, why all these well known Marathi directors are not approaching me for suitable roles. I am a great admirer of Marathi films and only few days back, I had an opportunity to see few films during SKD film festival, at Ravindra Natya Mandir. I was really happy to notice the creativity part in all these films, presenting new subjects. “Dhag’ impressed me; but the theme of Marathi film ’35 minutes’ appealed me a lot.”
Her frank reaction clearly indicated her agony, for not being considered for roles in Marathi serials and films. Being the head of Governing Council in advisory capacity to ‘Sanskruti kala Darpan, Smita is playing an important role. This year, instead of spending on parties and celebrations connected with the prestigious awards; she has suggested the committee to save upto Rs. 11 lakhs and use the same for the farmers from drought affected areas of Maharashtra. “We will be identifying one village and go personally to distribute free seeds to them.” she says.
Smita also finds her free time for spiritual work, as she practices ‘Holistic healing’ and takes her workshops at the Times of India Building, Mumbai every 1st and 3rd Sunday between 4 and 6 pm. “My quest for a deeper understanding of peace and happiness in life led me to experiment with various natural therapy techniques and practices. Finally, I discovered a simple and practical approach to heal my inner self.” she explains. Through her own trust ‘New Leaf’, she has been helping poor children from Marathi Municipal schools, who are deprived of proper aid. She also visits Municipal maternity homes, and provides healthy food to the women admitted for delivery. Isn’t that a great service to the society ?
Her two forthcoming Hindi films are Rohan Sippy’s ‘Sonali Cable’ and T series film ‘Yaariyan’. Her role as Abha’s mother in Zee TV’s popular show ‘Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli’ was highly acclaimed. Her ongoing serial is ‘Ghar Aaja Pardesi’ on Sahara One. After Sulochana and Reema Lagoo, if any Marathi actress who has bagged good character roles in reputed Hindi films, it is Smita Jaykar. We are eagerly waiting to watch her perform in a good Marathi film or serial in near future.
