In an exclusive interview, Jaya Bhattacharya, known for her role as Sub-Inspector Vimla Bhardwaj in Netflix's acclaimed series "Delhi Crime," has opened up about her journey with the show and the personal challenges she faced during its filming. Bhattacharya revealed that "Delhi Crime" came to her during a particularly difficult period in her life, offering her a much-needed respite.
Bhattacharya's career began with minor roles in Bollywood films like "Devdas" and "Lajja". Her breakthrough role was in 2000 as the antagonist Payal Mehra in Ekta Kapoor's "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi," which broke TRP records. She is also known for her roles in "Kasamh Se," "Jhansi Ki Rani," and "Thapki Pyar Ki". More recently, she has gained recognition for her role in "Delhi Crime".
Interestingly, Bhattacharya was initially rejected for "Delhi Crime". According to her, the initial rejection was due to the perception created by her online photographs, which mostly portrayed her in traditional saree-clad, "mausi"-like roles. The series' first director, Rishi Mehta, couldn't envision her in the role. However, casting director Mukesh Chhabra insisted that the team meet her. Bhattacharya is grateful to Chhabra for taking a stand, which ultimately led to her being cast in the show.
Reflecting on her role as SI Vimla, Bhattacharya shared that she felt it was a chance to pause, reflect, and try a new style of acting. She also spoke about her equation with Shefali Shah, who plays DIG Vartika Chaturvedi, noting that every role, regardless of its size, holds responsibility. Bhattacharya emphasized that SI Vimla is trained to look out for children, and she takes the opportunity to command whenever anything against children arises.
In a poignant revelation, Bhattacharya recalled that her mother passed away during the shooting of "Delhi Crime". During that time, she had brought her mother home from the hospital. The actress found solace in her work, explaining that it allowed her to step away and breathe. During shooting breaks, she would rush to her "rakhi" brother's home in Delhi, where she was pampered by him and his wife.
Bhattacharya has consciously decided not to have children, as she has other responsibilities. She is an avid animal lover and runs an NGO.
Born on September 19, 1971, in Guwahati, Assam, Jaya Bhattacharya is known for playing antagonistic characters. She started her career in 1996 with the TV serial 'Saraab'. She has also appeared in films like 'Sirf Tum', 'Kyo Kii… Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta', and 'Devdas'. Bhattacharya lived with director Mazahir Rahim for seven years but broke up due to incompatibility.
