Former MP Jaya Prada, a close associate of Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, has been appointed Chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Film Development Board. A veteran actress, her rise in politics in Uttar Pradesh is remarkable given her Andhra Pradesh roots, but here's the inside story on Jayaprada's appointment.

The appointment comes after a nod from SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav. UP CM and Mulayam's son, Akhilesh Yadav had been dilly dallying with the appointment, but when Amar Singh threatened that he was ready to quit the Rajya Sabha if Jaya Prada was not appointed as chairperson UPFDB, got the government acting in 24 hours.

Clearly, Mr Singh still wields some power.