Jyotika Shares How After Marrying Suriya, She Left Stardom At 28 To Manage Kids’ School ‘Dabbas’: Suriya and Jyotika have long been considered one of the most beloved power couples in the Indian film industry. Known for their charm, chemistry, and dedication to both their family and careers, their love story is nothing short of inspiring. While Suriya continued to scale new heights in the Tamil film industry, Jyotika made a significant sacrifice—walking away from stardom at the peak of her career to focus on her family. Recently, Jyotika opened up about her decision to leave films at the age of 28 and devote herself to her children, including managing their school ‘dabbas’ (tiffin boxes).
Jyotika’s Journey from Stardom to Motherhood
Jyotika and Suriya first met in 1999 during the filming of Poovellam Kettupar, when both were young actors finding their footing in the industry. Their love story blossomed over time, and in 2006, they tied the knot in a grand yet intimate wedding ceremony. At that time, Jyotika was one of the top actresses in South Indian cinema, delivering blockbuster films back-to-back. However, post-marriage, she made the bold choice to step away from the limelight and embrace her role as a mother and wife wholeheartedly.
In a recent interview with The Screen, Jyotika reminisced about this transition, sharing how she and Suriya prioritized their children over everything else. She revealed:
“I guess we leave the superstardom outside the door when we enter home. There, we are just parents of our kids. And yeah, the dabbas… definitely the prominence is given to our children. It’s more about what’s going in their school dabbas in the morning. One dabba leaves early morning at 6 o’clock with him to school while the younger one’s food goes at lunchtime at 12.”
This statement highlights how Jyotika seamlessly transitioned from being a celebrated actress to a hands-on mother who actively participated in her children’s upbringing.
Prioritizing Family Over Fame
Jyotika’s decision to step away from films was driven by her and Suriya’s shared vision of parenting. The actress emphasized that, despite their larger-than-life personas on screen, they never let their stardom interfere with their personal lives. In their household, they were simply “Appa and Amma.”
She candidly stated:
“For us, kids have always been the main focus. Stardom is on one side, but our priority is our family. We never wanted our children to feel like they had celebrity parents who were always occupied with work. We wanted to be present for every moment of their childhood.”
This level of dedication and sacrifice is what makes Jyotika and Suriya’s relationship unique. While many celebrities struggle to balance their personal and professional lives, this couple chose to put their family first.
Jyotika’s Return to Cinema at 35
Although she took a break from acting for nearly a decade, Jyotika eventually returned to the film industry at the age of 35. When asked about her comeback, she expressed gratitude for the opportunities she received in Tamil cinema, where she played strong and meaningful roles.
“I have done some of my best roles there, and I could only be glad that I was part of South films. Because I’m not sure if I had probably got those roles if I had worked in Hindi. In fact, I was married and stopped working at 28 and then got back to films when I was 35. And I did see a lot of prominent roles coming my way in Tamil, where I played the protagonist.”
Her return to the silver screen was met with immense love and appreciation from fans. She took on powerful roles in films such as 36 Vayadhinile, Raatchasi, and Kaatrin Mozhi, proving that talent and passion for cinema never fade away.
Jyotika’s Bollywood Comeback and Future Projects
After successfully reclaiming her space in Tamil cinema, Jyotika ventured back into Bollywood, where she had made her debut years ago with Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998). Recently, she appeared in Shaitaan, alongside Ajay Devgn and R. Madhavan, and played a pivotal role in Rajkummar Rao’s Srikanth.
With her latest project Dabba, which is set to release on Netflix, Jyotika continues to challenge herself with diverse roles. Fans are eagerly anticipating this new phase of her career while admiring her ability to balance both family life and her passion for acting.
Conclusion: A Life Well-Lived on Her Own Terms
Jyotika’s journey is a testament to her strength, resilience, and ability to make decisions that align with her values. While she stepped away from the limelight to focus on her family, she returned even stronger, proving that one can have a fulfilling personal life and still make a successful comeback in their career. Her story is an inspiration to many women who juggle multiple roles in their lives, showcasing that prioritizing family does not mean the end of one’s dreams—it simply means taking a different path.
What do you think of Jyotika’s decision to leave the industry for her children and return after nearly a decade? Share your thoughts in the comments below!