The Secret Union of Bollywood's Power Couple
In June 1973, following the massive success of their groundbreaking film 'Zanjeer', Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan decided to formalize their relationship that had blossomed even before they began working together on the iconic movie. The couple opted for an extremely private and intimate wedding ceremony, deliberately keeping the guest list minimal to maintain secrecy about their nuptials.
Family Reactions and Emotional Moments
The legendary poet Harivanshrai Bachchan, Amitabh's father, documented several heartwarming and emotional aspects of the wedding in his autobiography 'Dashdwaar Se Sopaan Tak'. He revealed fascinating insights about the family dynamics during this significant occasion.
One particularly touching revelation concerned the traditional kanya puja ceremony at Jaya's family home before the wedding. Harivanshrai noted that "Apart from Jaya, no one's face had even a hint of happiness" among her family members. He observed genuine shyness (lajja) on Jaya's face, which he described as an integral part of beauty that he was witnessing for the first time.
The emotional state of Jaya's father, Taroon Kumar Bhaduri, became particularly evident when Harivanshrai congratulated him on gaining a son-in-law like Amitabh. Instead of reciprocating the sentiment, Bhaduri heartbreakingly responded, "Mera toh ghar hi ujad gaya" (My house has been destroyed), indicating the family's distress about their daughter leaving home.
Wedding Preparations and Political Connections
The wedding arrangements were remarkably low-key and organized in haste. From the Bachchan family side, only their closest friends - The Rajans and The Gandhis - received invitations. In a fascinating political connection, Teji Bachchan (Amitabh's mother) personally called then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to invite her.
As expected, Indira Gandhi congratulated the family but declined the invitation, though she assured that her son Sanjay Gandhi would represent the family. Interestingly, Harivanshrai admitted they were actually relieved she couldn't attend, as her presence would have made it impossible to keep the wedding secret.
Breaking Traditions and Symbolic Gestures
The Bachchan family had a significant tradition where the mother-in-law would touch the new bride's feet for the first and last time during her welcome into the household. This ritual included specific vows where the mother-in-law would say, "Enter this house like a goddess who is here to bless us," and the daughter-in-law would respond, "I, the goddess, step in this house. I am entering in a palanquin, and will leave on a pyre."
However, Harivanshrai revealed that he had rejected this tradition when he married Teji, and they decided to extend the same progressive approach to Jaya. While they welcomed Jaya by touching her feet, they deliberately omitted the traditional vows, allowing her to enter the family without these symbolic promises.
The Secret Ceremony and Early Married Life
On the actual wedding day, the Bachchan residence was modestly decorated with just a few lights for good fortune. When curious neighbors inquired about the occasion, the family cleverly explained it was for one of Amitabh's film shoots - a convincing cover story that worked perfectly.
In a discreet operation to maintain secrecy, fourteen people, including Amitabh himself, quietly left in three cars for the wedding venue and quickly slipped inside to conduct the ceremony away from public attention.
Harivanshrai also shared his initial discomfort when Jaya had to resume shooting just two days after marriage. He expressed that he didn't appreciate her working when there were three men in the house capable of handling expenses. However, Jaya has consistently clarified in subsequent years that her decision to step back from films after having children was entirely her own choice, and she found genuine happiness in motherhood during that phase of her life.
