Author turned filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee attended 5th Rajasthan International Film Festival in Jaipur and shared stage with veteran Bollywood actor Jaya Prada. It was an interactive session between the two, which was attended by national and international delegates from all over the world. When Ram Kamal asked about the journey of Jaya Prada, she said, “I completed 299 films so far, and trust me it wasn’t a cakewalk.” To that director Ram Kamal immediately added, “Yes Jaya ji, that’s my journey and my film!” They interacted with Punjabi filmmaker Ojashwee Sharma whose short film Admitted was screened at the festival. The session ended on a surprise note when Ram Kamal requested Jaya Prada for an instant jig on stage and she very sportingly danced to her signature song Dafliwaley dafli baja from her blockbuster Sargam. Jaya threw a googly at Ram Kamal when she requested him also to match steps with veteran dancer on stage. What happened next was a historical moment for people from Rajasthan.
“Yes, it was impromptu act, and I didn’t expect Jaya ji that she would agree,” says director Ram Kamal Mukherjee. The festival director duo Anshu Harsh and Somendra Harsh were equally delighted when they witnessed the historic moment. “We are grateful to Jaya ji and Ram Kamal for everything. Unke aane se festival ko chaar chaand lag gaye!”
Jaya Prada was feliciated with Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema award later in the evening at newly inaugurated Inox Insignia in Jaipur.
