They healed me and I healed them back, says Jaya Bhattacharya, the Kunti of tele serial Mahabharat. The actor, in a deeply personal conversation with Boishali Sinha, reminisces how her fear of dogs turned into compassion for them.
Known for her powerful performances in television and films, Jaya Bhattacharya is equally well-known off-screen for a different kind of heroism — her compassion for animals. From being terrified of dogs to running her own animal welfare NGO, Thank You Earth, Jaya’s journey is a story of transformation, courage, and unconditional love. In this interview, she opens up about how her bond with dogs changed her life, inspired her activism and continues to define her purpose — both as an artist and as a human being.
You’ve often spoken about your affection for dogs. Could you share where this love for them began in your life?
Jaya Bhattacharya: Believe me when I say I was utterly scared of dogs as a child — I really was! I remember vividly, a mother dog was eating from the garbage on the roadside and I walked too close. She leapt at me, her paws reaching my shoulders — I was barely six or seven years old. My father, who was a dog lover, actually saved me that day.
After that, I avoided every house with pets. But my father never allowed me to shy away — he took me to meet well-trained dogs, teaching me not to fear them. Still, I was so scared that when I had the option to stay with my bua (aunt) who had a dog, I chose a hostel instead!
Then, in 1998, fate brought Kali into my life. She forced her friendship on me. When her puppies were cruelly taken away, she brought their lifeless bodies to my home — a heartbreaking moment that opened my eyes. Soon after, the BMC took Kali away due to complaints and she never came back. Searching for her changed me forever. Her loss carved a space in me that still aches, but it also planted compassion in my heart.
Kali taught me that love does not always come softly. Sometimes it shakes you, scars you and then makes you whole.
What role do your dog’s play in your daily routine and emotional well-being?
Jaya Bhattacharya: Caring for dogs taught me to care for humans too. I became more empathetic, started seeing what others ignored. Fighting for animals gave me courage — even in dangerous situations, I stopped fearing for my own life.
The love and strength I have gained from animals have made me fearless. Knowing this power has helped me stand tall and smile even through the darkest phases of my life.
As an actress, your schedule can be demanding. How do you balance work with spending quality time with your pets?
Jaya Bhattacharya: Truth be told, I no longer have ‘quality time’ with pets in the usual sense. My life’s work is about serving them. I run an NGO called Thank You Earth, a medical centre for sick and injured animals. We’ve even rescued a horse who now lives safely on a friend’s farm. My dream is to build a 24/7 free medical facility and sanctuary for stray animals. That’s why I continue working as an actor — to fund that vision.
I won’t die before doing this. That’s my promise to them — and to myself.
Have your dogs ever influenced or inspired your work as an artist?
Jaya Bhattacharya: Absolutely. Once, while performing the role of Kunti, I was grieving the loss of my beloved dog, Begum. I hadn’t cried till then. But in that scene, where Kunti realizes she’s lost her son Duryodhan, I poured all that pain into my performance. Even after the scene ended, I couldn’t stop crying. That was Begum’s love — helping me feel again. My dogs have been my greatest teachers in empathy and expression.
What makes the bond between humans and dogs so unique?
Jaya Bhattacharya: Humans live with endless expectations — it’s never enough. Dogs expect nothing. Even street dogs, if left alone, won’t come near you until they trust you. But once that bond is made, they’ll wag their tails every time they see you.
Humans can betray. Dogs never do. Their loyalty is pure, unshakeable, divine. “To betray a dog, in my view, is the greatest crime mankind can commit.”
Many celebrities adopt or rescue dogs. Do you personally advocate for adoption over buying?
Jaya Bhattacharya: Always. I have never bought a dog in my life — and that says it all. After Begum passed, I began adopting abandoned senior dogs. Today, I share my home with six — two Indian breeds and four rescued seniors. At Thank You Earth, we care for 38 dogs and cats. Each one is family.
What are some of the biggest challenges you see when it comes to dog welfare in India?
Jaya Bhattacharya: Dogs in India are among the most ill-treated animals. People feed them during festivals or for astrology but otherwise, they’re neglected and often abused. Awareness and compassion are still missing — that’s the real battle.
If given the opportunity, what kind of initiatives would you like to support for improving the lives of stray or abandoned dogs?
Jaya Bhattacharya: In 2007, Justice Radhakrishnan suggested that every residential building should adopt two stray dogs. I think it’s a brilliant idea. It would give dogs shelter, safety and food — and in return, they’d protect their area instinctively. It would also sensitize residents, teaching them empathy and I run an NGO called Thank You Earth, a medical centre for sick and injured animals.
Looking ahead, do you envision creating a personal sanctuary or collaborating further with NGOs?
Jaya Bhattacharya: That’s the dream. My goal is to build a farm sanctuary and a 24-hour medical facility for strays. I’m already working toward it through Thank YouEarth. Every rupee I earn from acting goes into that vision.
Finally, if your dogs could speak, what do youthink they’d say about you?
Jaya Bhattacharya: They’d probably say, “She’s notperfect, but she’s ours.” And maybe, “We healed her, and she healed us right back.”
