Still a star

'Lady-like? No way'

Jayanthi, who describes herself as a tomboy, reveals that her mom refused to dress her in frilly frocks. "Amma gave me shirts and shorts to wear throughout my childhood.u00a0 K V Reddy, who directed me in Jagadhekaveeruni Katha,u00a0 was aghast when he saw me horsing around the sets. He sat me down and taught me to behave like a propah lady," she guffaws.

Her devil-may-care attitude spilt over to her choice of films as well. "At a time when actresses played Sati Savitri roles, I played a prostitute in Masanada Hoovu. Director Puttanna Kanagal had warned me that it would be a very demanding role. Some of my so-called well-wishers told me not to risk my image by accepting such a role. But I went ahead and I was glad that I listened only to my heart and to my director. I refuse to pass judgment on any profession," she explained.

The only time the bubbly actress sounded downbeat was when she recalled instances when some people in the film industry misused her trust in them, and cheated her of money. "But my fans and their love for me has kept me going. In my time, the audience had a great deal of respect and admiration for film stars," she said.

On Annavaru

Jayanthi sheepishly confessed that when she was offered the film, Chandavalliya Thota, opposite the legendary Rajkumar, she wasn't excited because she had watched him in Bedara Kanappa. "I was horrified by his fierce costume!" she exclaimed. However, the actress has very fond memories of Rajkumar, whom she signed a slew of films with.

Bare and dare

"I was offered Miss Leelavathi when Sowcar Janaki refused the film as the role demanded that the heroine wear a swimsuit.u00a0 I won an award for the film! I went on to sign on films like Bahadur Gandu and Paropakaari," she said.

Forthcoming films

"I have a substantial role in Jambada Hudugi, which is ready for release. But more than films, what keeps me alive is my dream to open an old age home for the needy," she says.