Primarily a Telugu actress Jaya Prada began acting at the age of 14 and was a star in that film industry before she tried the break into Bollywood.

Jayaprada's classic features, a flawless peach complexion and incredible nose coupled with a quiet aristocratic demeanor made her a favorite star of 1980s Indian Popular Cinema. Jaya Prada debuted in "Sargam", which was also her breakthrough performance opposite Rishi Kapoor. She played the role of of a mute who is in love with dancing (and Rishi Kapoor) connected with the public and was a big hit.

During the 80s Jayaprada and Jeetendra had a successful on screen chemistry. And together they churned out a number of masala tear jerkers that portrayed her in film after film as the tough, dutiful and all-enduring wife. These films endeared Jaya Prada to the traditional conservative section of filmgoers. It was an image that served her well when she started a new career as a politician.