Actor Jyothika, who is preparing for the release of her upcoming legal drama System, recently spoke about balancing work and family life with husband Suriya. During a conversation with Zoom TV, the actor also shared her thoughts on working in a male dominated film industry and making career choices on her own terms.
Talking about her marriage with Suriya, Jyothika explained that both of them adjust their schedules according to each other’s work commitments. She said that whenever one of them is away for shoots, the other stays back at home to take care of the children and family responsibilities.
Speaking about how they maintain balance in their relationship, Jyothika said, “I think a marriage is all about balance. And it’s not about just him supporting me. It’s also about me supporting him when he leaves for work and I take care of the house. I choose to do less work. I choose to sit back when it’s important. And he sits back when I have to leave for an outdoor schedule. There’s always one of us at home with the kids. So I think a marriage has to be hand in glove. It has to work in a balanced way.”
The actor also discussed her experience of working in a film industry where many decisions are still largely controlled by men. Jyothika said that being able to make her own choices, including turning down big projects, gives her a sense of independence.
Sharing her thoughts on this, she said, “I think we do, we’re still doing it subconsciously. I cannot point out anything very recent, but just making your own choices and saying no to certain big films, you know, and just saying a flat no because you’re not given that deal in it, or doing it also is fine if it’s your own choice.”
She further added, “So I just feel taking those calls in a male dominated industry itself makes it feel like you’re working on your own terms, and saying a lot of social things through films also matters. At least somewhere subconsciously, I feel in my films, I have been, whether I intended to or not, giving a couple of social messages through the film.”
System is created and directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and produced by Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja and Smitha Baliga under Baweja Studios. The film also stars Ashutosh Gowariker in an important role. It is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on May 22 across India and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.