Jyotika recently spoke about the struggles female actors face in the Tamil film industry, particularly regarding ageing and career progression. In a candid conversation with Fever FM, she was joined by her Dabba Cartel co-stars Shabana Azmi, Shalini Pandey, Anjali Anand, and Shibani Dandekar. Addressing the issue of how male actors are accepted as they age while female actors are not, Jyotika shared insights from her own journey.
Ageing and Career Challenges in Tamil Cinema
Reflecting on her experience, Jyotika stated, “In the South, this is a major issue. I had my children at 28, and after that, my roles changed completely. Interestingly, I haven’t worked with a star or leading hero since then. It’s a significant challenge because you have to rebuild your career independently, often with new filmmakers. Age becomes a critical factor, making it even tougher.”
She also pointed out another drawback in the industry: the lack of seasoned filmmakers crafting strong female-led narratives. “Unlike the era of K. Balachander, we don’t see major directors making films with women at the center. Instead, big filmmakers focus on big male stars, leaving women with fewer opportunities. Budgets are limited, and compelling storytelling from a female perspective is rare. A woman’s journey in the Tamil film industry is a lone battle,” she added.
Jyotika’s Personal and Professional Journey
Jyotika married actor Suriya on September 11, 2006, and they have two children, Diya (born 2007) and Dev (born 2010). The couple has shared screen space in seven films, starting with Poovellam Kettuppar (1999).
Her career began with Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1997), followed by her Tamil debut in Vaali (1999) and Telugu debut in Tagore (2003). She gained recognition with hits like Kushi (2000), Dumm Dumm Dumm (2001), Kaakha Kaakha (2004), Perazhagan (2004), Chandramukhi (2005), and Mozhi (2007). After a hiatus, she returned with 36 Vayadhinile (2015) and continued with Magalir Mattum (2017), Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018), Naachiyaar (2018), Raatchasi (2019), Ponmagal Vandhal (2020), Kaathal – The Core (2023), and Shaitaan (2024).
Upcoming Projects
Currently, Jyotika stars in Netflix’s Dabba Cartel, a gripping series about five ordinary women whose small dabba service unexpectedly evolves into a high-stakes drug operation. The show features an ensemble cast including Shabana Azmi, Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey, Anjali Anand, Sai Tamhankar, and Lillete Dubey.
Her powerful insights highlight the gender disparity in Tamil cinema, advocating for stronger roles and better opportunities for women in the industry.
