Jaya Prada has found a new vocation in life... Not only is she turning film producer she’s also going to sing in the film.

“In fact,” the actress reveals shyly, “I’m not only singing for the first time, I’m also recording a hip-hop song with Adnan Sami and Bappida, which is quite a novelty for me. I’ve been very busy with my political career. But I’ve just completed Nitin Manmohan’s Tathasthu with Sunjay Dutt and Amisha Patel. This is my first suspense thriller. So I’m doing quite a lot of things for the first time.”

The beautiful actress laugh throatily. Time and experience haven’t weathered her elegance and ebullience. Yes, Jaya Prada has taken the knocks of life well on her pretty chin.

“I want to return to films as a new Jaya Prada. I’m turning producer and I’m singing. Bappida and I go back a long way ?remember, Tohfa, Maqsad, Sharaabi, Aaj Ka Arjun and all those hit songs he composed for me? We’re recording the first song today (Thursday). On April 3, which is my birthday, we’ll have my first production’s mahurat. I’m very excited about sharing a microphone with Bappi and Adnan Sami. Quite an exciting mixture.”

When asked if she can sing, Jaya Prada counters, “Wait and see. You’ll soon know. I love to challenge myself all the time.”

Her first production will have in the cast Priyanshu Chatterjee and Irrfan Khan. “I’m not paired with either. It’s a very different kind of film to be directed by Kittu Ghosh who’s done short films before. He’s a man of intellectual leanings. I wanted to do something different.”

Another different film for Jaya Prada is Mahesh Manjrekar’s Deh where she plays Dino Morea’s senior love-interest. “That again gives me a chance to do something away from my sweet image. I can’t do the conventional heroine’s role.”

She thinks politics has helped her to hone her identity. “Wherever I go people recognise me as Jaya Prada the dafliwali from Sargam. I’m flattered that they still remember my first Hindi movie. They always want to know after a political rally when my next film is releasing. Being an actress has been a plus point in politics. I’ve never said ‘no’ to acting offers. At the height of my film career I joined politics because I felt I had more to do than just act. I’m proud to say I’m not like some other actors turned MPs who are accused of not doing anything for their constituency. I’m proud to say I’ve brought Rs 300 crore to my constituency. I don’t want to feel I’ve neglected either of my two activities as a politician and actress. Now even when I’m returning to films I feel I never left. People in the industry tell me they’ve missed me.”

She’s looking for a new image. “To date people miss me. I still remember the great Satyajit Ray’s compliment. To be called a beautiful lady by a man of his stature, is not a small thing.”

Does Jaya Prada herself think she’s beautiful? “How can I say that about myself? I’m thankful to my parents for passing on their genes to me. They’ve given me a wonderful life.”

Finally she speaks about her controversial alliance with Amar Singh. “He’s my mentor and guide. When I was isolated politically Amar Singhji took me into the Samajwadi Party. It’s rare for someone to give you a helping hand when you’re going through rejection. Amar Singhji and Saharashri Subrato Roy have supported me. I’m so lucky to have such good people around me.”