Jayaka, as the name suggests is “Victorious”. Jayaka Yagnik, daughter of Krupadev Yagnik was born on January 22, in Baroda Gujarat.
Jayaka completed her basic education in Baroda and eventually did her B.Com, Diploma in Social Work, Master in Theater arts – Mumbai
Seed of acting is sown
Jayaka’s father, Krupadev was an actor by hobby. Circumstances did not allow his hobby to turn to profession. However, he did many roles in theater and plays. He and his team would have rehearsals in their house and Jayaka had the privilege to watch them The seed of acting was sown and Jayaka aspired to be part of this industry since childhood.
Grateful for every helping hand
As a child with a background of simple, humble upbringing Jayaka was far from glamorous and it’s today difficult to believe today she belongs to the most glamorous industry. She worked hard, and with the help of many mentors and influences. Jayaka has grown in the industry. She has a long list of people she would like to give credit to. She would not like to miss anyone by penning down this list. She is grateful to each one of them from the bottom of her heart. A helping hand that lifted her is part of her being and they will always have a special place for Jayaka.
Fate & Destiny always hangs around
Though her father loved acting as a hobby, he had reservations on her getting into this field. Jayaka wanted to do a course on the same from Mumbai, but her father was not fully convinced. However, since the entrance exams were very tough, he though Jayaka will not get through and went ahead and gave her the permission. Fate played its role here and Jayaka cleared all rounds with flying colors, especially when only very few make it through all rounds. This was destiny on stage.
First break and game ahead
She was back to Baroda after completing the course from Mumbai. She was lucky to get a break as an anchor for an event. When she was doing rehearsals couple of colleague saw her passion and dedication and love for performing tasks. As one of them were known to a casting director of Gujarati television serials, he connected Jayaka . She was asked to give an audition and from there on the ball started rolling. Fortunate for Jayaka’s dad, the casting director was known to him, so things became easier on the convincing front
A meeting at the Railway station for ten minutes with the casting director before he boarded that train from Mumbai to Ahmedabad is where she landed her first confirmed break.
In time she got featured in TV Commercials . To name a few, she worked with Amitabh Bachchan for Emami Cooking oil TVC. She also worked with Hema Malini for Kent RO. She was face for Colgate toothpaste. she worked for prestigious projects Britannia Cake TVC, Balaji Wafers, Unibic Biscuit, Vim Bar, in 2016 for Zandu Balm, Myntra, Ditto TV, Go ibibo, India bulls Home Loan, Kalyan Jewelers, Axis Mutual Fund and more.
Jayaka worked with big names like Amitabh Bachchan and Tisca Chopra and part of “Loveyatri” a film by Salman Khan Productions. Bollywood flicks like “Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara” as one of the lead directed by Monjoy Mukherjee under the banner of Joy Mukherjee productions. Besides she worked in Gujarati films Urban Gujarat viz “Wass..Up Zindagi” as a main directed by Monoj Lal waniand another urban click titled “Musafir Chuu Yaaro” as a main lead which was directed by Hussain Bloch, Jayaka also did a comedy film film “Apde toh Dhirubhai” as a main lead with Vrajesh Hirji.- August 2014.
Television too was part of her exhaustive portfolio – “Chutta-chedda” on Etv Gujarati and “Narsinh Mehta” For ETV Gujarati.
A creative talented actor like Jayaka could not be far from Theater in any way. Jayaka has done her Master in Theater Arts from Mumbai University and acted in plays directed by Waman Kendre, Vijay Kenkare & Chandrakant Kulkarni and the experimental theater comedy project “LaxmiPunan” directed by Manoj Shah.
Awards & Accolades
Jayaka has won best the actress (debut) for “Apade to Dhirubhai” at the 14th Annual Gujarati Screen and Stage Awards presented by Trans media(2015).
Challenges are constant
Challenges with a capital C is there in every page of life. Jayaka found it difficult viz a viz the work graph this industry follows. At time you have tons of work and find it difficult to choose and at times you have absolutely no work for long gaps. This is at times upsetting and depressing but Jayaka realized that this is the norm and one has to learn to adapt with this set up sooner than later.
After doing such big banner projects, there are good chances of one getting type case. Hence one needs to be careful whilst selecting projects.
Jayaka is lucky that in her very first work “Narsi Mehta” her director helped her in understanding the nuances of various aspects like – reactions when co-stars deliver dialogues, camera facing, lighting, acting and in some time she had sharpened her skills.
Philosophy & Principals
She wishes for good work as an actor and take up roles that make her parents feel proud. Working just for the money or staying in sight and forever a glamour image is not her cup of tea. Work gained by way of her skills is all she seeks and will never indulge in getting work by hook or crook is her philosophy. Her principals are strong and that comes from a good upbringing. She feels the industry is a good place and hard work and talent will get you your due,come what may.
Social work is not a PR exercise
Having done a Diploma in Social Work, she even worked for a couple of month before taking the plunge into acting. Helping others silently whenever she can is her motto
Hobbies to relax
Her creative energy spreads out to Dance as well and she considers dancing as her hobby. She also likes to connect with people and travelling.
Message from experience
Message she would like to give youngsters is – self-support and self-belief is the best. Help yourself and don’t look or lean on anyone else for support is the best policy to follow in life.
