Bengaluru: A fighter, both in 'reel and real' life, she has come a long way since beginning her acting career as a 13-year-old and carving out a niche for herself in the film industry working alongside the legends of the Kannada cinema including Dr Rajkumar. Jumping into active politics next, she was soon nominated to the Legislative Council. The peak of her political career has come now, being the lone woman minister in the H.D. Kumaraswamy cabinet. The actress, film producer and former head of the Kannada film body KFCC, Jayamala speaks to Deccan Chronicle at length as she takes charge as the Minister for Women and Children Development, Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens along with Kannada and Culture.
Excerpts from the interview...
It was a surprise to many that you were picked as a minister. Did you expect it?
To be honest, I never thought or dreamt of becoming a minister. In fact, I learnt it from the media that I had been picked as a minister. It was around 1.45 pm when I was officially told that I had to be ready for the swearing-in ceremony. I did not even have time to tell my daughter Soundarya and my husband Ramachandra. I am happy and feel responsible that I have been entrusted with the task of keeping the faith of my party and the public, especially the women's community. I feel that the fortune blessed upon me for my work in public life for all these years. I am indebted to Congress president Rahul Gandhiji, Siddaramaiahji, Hari Prasadji and Veerappa Moilyji, who reposed their faith in me.
You have been a fighter all your life. How do you feel, looking back at your life?
I have come up the hard way. But my strong belief in life has brought me to this stage. My keen interest in learning new things and taking up new challenges keeps me on my toes. The bias that exists in our society, especially against women, worries me. We are seven siblings. I have five elder sisters and a younger brother. Women and children welfare has been my favourite subject and I feel fortunate to have been entrusted with such a big responsibility.
You started your acting career as a teenager. How has the journey been so far?
When I started acting in films, I had no knowledge of the industry. I was 16 when I acted alongside Dr Rajkumar in 'Premada Kanike'. In 1979, I moved to Bengaluru along with my family and did over 75 films before I got into active police in 1993. Before that, I had a great experience of working in the film chambers.
What made you take up politics?
Frankly, politics was never on my mind. It has been a ritual among political parties to rope in film personalities during election campaigns, and I too was one of several who campaigned. I liked the Congress because women stalwarts like Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi inspired me. Eventually, I became active and started following the ideologies of Congress.
Are you satisfied with your portfolios?
I have a special interest in women and children welfare. I did work on the thesis on rehabilitation of rural women for which I got my doctorate. Umashree, who previously served the ministry which I am currently holding, has gone good work and it is a vast subject. Around 50 per cent of the population comprises women and another 20-30 are children and at least 10 are of specially-abled and senior citizens.
Apart from being the lone woman minister, you are also one of the highly-qualified. How do you feel?
It was the 'curious' nature in me that helped me learn and later pursue it academically too. For my doctorate, I travelled across the state. Recently, I was appointed the chairman of a 16-member expert committee, comprising writers, educationists, thinkers and others, to study the problems faced by sex workers and submit a report to the government. We submitted the report.
Some of your party members are not happy that they are left out...
In a political party, every member has every right to demand and also fight for various issues. It is well within the party and the party always takes the decision in the interest of the party and the government. This time, we have a special case of working together with another party and in a coalition government, there are always limitations. Moreover, there had to be a woman representation in the government and someone had to be given the responsibility. I am sure that the party will do its best that everyone gets rightful opportunity.
What are your plans as minister?
Umashree has done good work and my job is to implement the present schemes and programmes in the most effective manner. Also, manifestos of both Congress and JD(S) parties are almost similar. Beyond that, I need some time to plan some more good programmes.
Are you happy to work with Mr Kumaraswamy, who also has film connections?
I feel fortunate as it will help me perform better. Chief Minister Kumaraswamy's zeal to work for the uplift of every section of society makes it easier to work in a coalition atmosphere.
How did your family react to you becoming a minister?
I could not inform anyone in my family, be it my husband, daughter or elder sisters, soon afer I came to know about it. After taking oath, my phone stopped working with so many calls coming in. They are happy and so am I.
