Actress Jyothika claims a special place in the hearts of movie enthusiasts in south India, even after she took a sabbatical from acting, post her wedding with Tamil superstar Surya.
Her bubbly personality and charming smile with a glint of mischief in her eyes kept the audience glued to the screens to watch her movies.
When Jyothika returned to the big screen after an eight-year hiatus with 36 Vayadhinile, she was accorded a stupendous reception. Jyothika’s performance in her recent outing Magalir Mattum is earning her rave reviews and appreciation.
Now, it's the speech that the charming actress made after receiving an award by the Just For Women magazine, from director Priyadarshan, that is the point of attraction. In an inspiring speech, Jyothika said her journey started at the age of 17.
"In fact, there are several women behind me. At the age of 17, it was my mother. She was a fine lady and she once told me, 'Jo, you have to stand here, let's face the people let's face the world...' She said, 'I want money in your bank because if you haven't met the right man, keep your head high and walk out of the relationship if it's not worth it.' So, thank you to my amma for teaching self worth and self respect," she said.
She lauded the roles of her mother-in-law as well in her life. “At 27, I got married and met yet another dynamic lady. Someone with a very warm touch and a gentle heart... who taught me traditions and values,” she said.
She said she had loads of female fans and she was grateful to them for showering their love and support on her when she decided to make a comeback to filmdom.
Jyothika's mother, Seema, had first married industrialist Arvind Morarji. Actor Nagma is their daughter. After divorcing Arvind, she married Chander Sadanah, and Jyothika was born to this couple.
Jyothika was all praises for her actor husband, Suriya, as well whom she called prince charming and said he was the real source of support for her to make a comeback.
Jyothika did not forget to thank her daughter Diya either. She said, “Her smile every morning is my empowerment. She is the one who makes me proud, I promise this to all of you that ten fifteen years henceforth, that she stands on this dais receiving this award.”