I am completely a director’s actor, all credit for Bougainvillea’s Ritu goes to Amal Neerad: Jyothirmayi

Jyothirmayi has made a comeback of sorts to Mollywood screens with 'Bougainvillea'. The actor who had long ago asserted that doing non-identical characters is what gives her a high, talks to Manorama Online about her comeback to Malayalam films, and much more.

Ego of the artist
When I was not active in films, the artistic activities we did at home offered me happiness. At one point, I even forgot I was an artist. Apart from that, my partner’s creative journey and success also pleased me. I didn’t take a break when I was at the peak. In fact, I was not pleased with the trajectory of my career. I had decided then that I would return when I get something that would give me a high. I would like to give credit entirely to director Amal Neerad for the character named Ritu in ‘Bougainvillea.’ I have not made any reference to prepare for it and instead did what the director asked me to. I am completely a director’s actor.

Single child
I am a single child and a byproduct of all that has been taught by my mom and dad. My father had taught me to take up any endeavour with utmost sincerity. The essence of that profound lesson can be noted even in the smile in my new movie. Mom was my companion and a maths teacher who taught me to be measured. These traits are evident in me.

Wearing overalls
Amal Neerad is a director who gives deep thought about even minute specifics and small characters. We never realised that overalls were a common outfit in Amla Neerad's movies till people pointed this out on social media.

Jyothi, the mom
Most of the spots in our house are adorned with sketches by my son Ray. That’s nice. At times, I feel I am a good mom. I tend to him and also seek opinions of friends, doctors and even my mom and dad while raising him up. Ray is just three-and-a-half years old. He has only started seeing his mom go to work regularly now. We go as a huge team, including my mother and sister-in-laws, to shoots. He waits for us and asks what we did once we return.

As a couple
Both Amal and my thoughts and beliefs are reflected in the cinema we work in. No good relationship emerges from peer pressure. Lack of ego between partners is what makes a relationship beautiful. The beauty of our relationship lies in the fact that me and Amal are not misers when it comes to accepting each other.

Money
We both come from ordinary backgrounds and never bothered much over lack of anything. All moments are a celebration, and money was never a criterion. Money will help us achieve many things. But, given our background, happiness is more important for us.

About your comeback
It is nice to hear everyone talk about it. I came back to movies without much expectation. When people laud my performance now, it makes me happy– I feel a sort of ecstacy.