A giant actor with an elfin silhouette – Jaya Bhaduri

When Jaya Bhaduri entered Hindi films in 1971 with “Guddi”, she was probably the only actress who carried dignity with simplicity. Hindi cinema at that time was bursting with stylish actresses who were sophisticated, elegant but had weird hairdos and powdered faces. Jaya Bhaduri, with her modest and sincere looks and striking flair for acting, proved to be whirlwind of fresh air. She was readily accepted by the audience and had an instant impact on them.

Born on 9th April 1948, in Jabalpur, Jaya Bhaduri is an alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. She is recognised as one of the finest Hindi film actresses of her time, particularly known for bracing a naturalistic style of acting in both mainstream and ‘middle-of-the-road’ cinema. She made her debut, while she was just a teenager, in Satyajit Ray’s “Mahanagar” in 1963. This was followed by “Dhanni Meye” where she shared screen space with Uttam Kumar & Suchitra Sen. She became a household name with Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s “Guddi”, her first Hindi film.

The film lovers yielded to her enthusiastic laughter while her elfin personality lit up the screen. This elfin proved to be a giant actor from within. Her filmography shows a mixed bag of complex as well as simple characters she played. She played all those roles with natural ease. Her performances are pinned by the Filmfare awards she has won during her journey, which still continues with small halts.
Lets have a look into the songs/scenes from the films which won her Filmfare awards.

1. Abhimaan – She drew rapturous reviews in Abhiman. Playing a singer wife of a singer who is ridden by ego and insecurity, Jaya Bhaduri was at her natural best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRh-zwDFqyo

2. Kora Kaagaz – Her first Filmfare award was immediately followed the next year by another one for Kora Kaagaz. A marital drama where she played opposite Vijay Anand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81v-RHKZbiw

3. Nauker – Starring opposite her favourite actor Sanjeev Kumar, she won accolades for her performance as a girl ill treated as a servant in the
film.

https://youtu.be/C-iywGo9IgY

4. Hazar Chourasi ki Maa – Jaya Bhaduri returned to the silver screen after a long hiatus. She picked up her skills expertly with an author backed role in Govind Nihalani’s Hazar Chourasi ki Maa. Jaya Bhaduri won a Filmfare award (Special) for her role as the mother of a man who is a speculated naxalite.

5. Fiza – Jaya Bhaduri playing a mother to Hrithik Roshan and Karisma Kapoor, looked at home with her acting skills. She received Filmfare award for the Best Supporting Role.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKdI7wmnIjM

6. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham – Adding to her acting prowess and stature in commercial cinema, Jaya Bhaduri played the role of a mother who shares a close bond with her sons, but remains in the shadow of her husband. The film also marked the return of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri together on screen after a gap of 18 years. It won her another Filmfare award for Best Supporting Role.

7. Kal Ho Na Ho – Another Karan Johar commercial film, but very warm and subtle. Jaya Bhaduri who plays Jenny, Preity Zinta’s mother is incredible in this small role. The character is very real and people sympathize with Jenny because of her. It won her yet another Filmfare award for Best Supporting role.

Apart from these films which won her awards, Jaya Bhaduri ruled the roost with her monumental work in films like Uphaar, Piya ka Ghar, Jawani Deewani, Parichay, Anamika, Zanjeer, Mili, Chupke Chupke, Koshish, Sholay and Silsila. For some of these films she was nominated for the Filmfare award. With a strong footing in the tinsel town, Jaya Bhaduri maintained an equilibrium between her private and professional life. Married to the most loved actor of the nation, Amitabh Bachchan, she has made a place for herself both on and off screen. Her work, her acting has always spoken volumes about her talent. With the gamut of finely tuned performances, this petite woman with elfin silhouette is a hallmark giant actor.