Veteran actress Jaya Prada is set to return to the big screen with the upcoming drama 'Jai Hind Jai Sindh', and its director, Indrajeet Lankesh, says casting her was nothing short of a lifelong dream fulfilled. In a recent interaction, Lankesh spoke candidly about his admiration for the actress and the ensemble he has assembled for the film.

A Childhood Icon Steps Back into the Spotlight

Lankesh did not hide his reverence for Jaya Prada, tracing his admiration back to formative years spent watching her on screen. 'Of course, she is making a comeback with 'Jai Hind Jai Sindh'. It is a pleasure because I grew up watching her films, including her work with Dr Rajkumar sir. There was a fantastic film called 'Sanadi Appanna', which was a biopic. Jayaprada ma'am played an amazing role as a dancer in that film. It was a huge blockbuster in the South,' the director said.

He also recalled the Hindi classic that cemented Jaya Prada's pan-India stardom. 'And then, of course, there was 'Sharaabi'. Who can forget 'Sharaabi' with Bachchan sir? We were all in college when we watched that film,' Lankesh added.

Directing the Legend: A Dream Come True

For Lankesh, the experience of helming Jaya Prada's comeback carries a weight beyond professional accomplishment. 'For me to direct her in a comeback film is a pleasure and an honour. To be able to say "action" and "cut" for her is truly a dream come true,' he said. The sentiment underscores how deeply the actress's legacy resonates with filmmakers of Lankesh's generation — those who grew up in an era when her performances defined mainstream Indian cinema.

A Cast Spanning Generations

Beyond Jaya Prada, 'Jai Hind Jai Sindh' boasts a wide-ranging ensemble. Lankesh named Mahesh Manjrekar, Rahul Dev, and Indira Tiwari among the experienced faces. He expressed particular admiration for Tiwari, citing her work in 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', and for Vikram Kochhar, whom he praised for his performance in 'Dunki'. Several actors from the National School of Drama are also part of the project, with Manjrekar described as the senior-most member of the cast.

A Platform for New Talent

Lankesh also highlighted his long-standing commitment to launching fresh faces. 'The young generation of actors has a huge platform through this film because they are newcomers. Two girls and two boys are the central characters in the foreground. This is a huge breakthrough for them,' he said. He framed this as a deliberate career-long practice — using each project as a stage for emerging performers to find their footing in the industry.

With a cast that bridges decades of Indian cinema and a director personally invested in the material, 'Jai Hind Jai Sindh' is shaping up as one of the more anticipated comeback vehicles of the season.