Mumbai, India (June 22, 2005): India’s former screen-beauty and present Parliamentarian Ms.Jayaprada is all set to entertain the lovers of theatre arts all over India. Her first leg of theatrical performance is coming up on June 25th and 26th in Mumbai, the business capital of India. The passionate dream of this forty plus popular actress and politician – to appear in a ballot dance – has assumed monstrous significance for she is going to play not any ordinary character. But that of India’s all-time historical beauty and the wonder of traditional music and dance – Amrapali, the heartthrob of the Kingdom of Vaishali.

Jayaprada, who hails from Rajahmundry, one of India’s populous towns, with a historical background dating back to 6th Century AD, made her foray into the Telugu film industry in the mid 70s and remained the undisputed Glamour Queen for nearly two decades, expanding her sway into the Bollywood, which happens to be the world’s second largest movie base after Hollywood. Her romantic eyes and the natural beauty spot on the upper lip had mesmerized millions of Indians from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. All said and done, but for Jayaprada, none would really do justice to the noble soul of Amrapali.

The musical ballet is choreographed by Bhushan Lakandri with music and lyrics by Ravindra Jain. This is a fascinating episode from the pages of Ancient India. The stage is set on the banks of the Ganges, at the Kingdom of Vaishali. One day, a mysterious woman appeared in a Mango grove in the city. Nobody knew who she was. She was a ravishing beauty and a dancer too. Everybody was eager to win her love. But, she declared that she would not marry any man. Soon, she became the asset of the city to make all happy with her dance. The citizens named her “Amrapali”, which means “One found in the Mangrove”.

One day, Bimbisara, the King of Magadha, came to conquer the city. All the men who were living happily with the love of Amrapali, woke up and marched to the battlefield. When the war was going on, Amrapali was alone in her palace. A young and handsome stranger came to her. He lived with her for some days. At the time of his departure he asked her to come with him. But she declined his proposal saying that she could not marry a man, a promise she made to the men of Vaishali.

The stranger revealed to her that he was King Bimbisara himself. Even then, Amrapali stood stubborn with her promise and requested the King to stop war and save the city. Once again peace prevailed in the Kingdom, but the conscience of Amrapali began to pinch her for declining the love of a noble King. One rainy night, she left the Kingdom to embrace the lotus feet of Lord Budhha. Even after the lapse of time, Amrapali continues to be an inspiring beauty with a noble heart.

With such a marvelous script, Jayaprada, who dictated terms on the Indian screen for nearly three decades, reveals her mind: “I ever loved the Theatre performance. Though I took to films, my heart always beat for dance and music. My career’s ever happening. Now, I’m happy that my dream’s coming true.” She said she was inspired by the dance ballets of Hema Malini, the Dream Girl on the Indian screen. In the years that followed through her thick career with politics, she met Lakandri, who choreographed the famed dance ballots – Meera and Draupadi.

After studying half-a-dozen characters from Indian mythology and ancient history, finally the two zeroed in on “Amrapali”. Jayaprada attributes her inclination for selecting “Amrapali”. She found similarities between herself and the historical character. “Her beauty, commitment for social cause and moral strength has inspired me to the core. Amrapali stands for the fiery soul of each and every woman.”

After a thorough research for nearly two years, the script and the rehearsals were over. Jayaprada, an expert in classical dance herself, said that she viewed at society not from the politician’s eye, but ever from the humanitarian angle. She ridicules the contention of her political rivals that she was a nominated politician. “I readily invite risks and adventures in life,” she said. After her separation from a regional party at homeland, she could successfully win the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh. Her direct entry into politics has brought her new image in the public.

With “Amrapali” ready for performance, much heat is generated on her Mumbai performance. The two-and-half-hour dance drama will soon be traveling the length and breadth of India, while scheduled is being planned abroad too.