Veteran Bollywood actor Jaya Bachchan has sparked a conversation with her candid and unconventional views on the institution of marriage. Speaking at the We The Women Asia event in Mumbai, the actress, who has been married to megastar Amitabh Bachchan for over 52 years, expressed that she does not want her granddaughter, Navya Naveli Nanda, to rush into matrimony.
"I Don't Want Navya to Get Married": Jaya's Direct Advice
Jaya Bachchan did not mince words when asked about her perspective on marriage for the younger generation. "I don't want Navya to get married," she stated plainly. The actress explained her stance by calling marriage an outdated concept, especially in the context of modern life. She acknowledged the generational shift, noting that her granddaughter Navya is about to turn 28 and that today's youth are far more intelligent and aware.
She elaborated with a vivid analogy, saying, "Delhi ka ladoo hai khao toh mushkil na khao toh mushkil. Just enjoy life." In a surprising revelation, Jaya shared that she and Amitabh Bachchan did not formally sign their marriage register until many years after their wedding in 1973. "That means we were living illegally," she quipped, highlighting the informal nature of their own union for a significant period.
Amitabh's Potential View and a Love Story That Defies Advice
When probed about her legendary husband Amitabh Bachchan's thoughts on marriage, Jaya offered a humorous yet telling response. She admitted she had never asked him directly but speculated, "He might say that 'biggest mistake of my life', but I don't want to hear that." This remark adds a layer of playful complexity to their long-standing relationship.
Despite her modern advice, Jaya Bachchan's own love story remains a classic Bollywood tale. She confessed that she fell in love with Amitabh Bachchan at first sight. "Do you have to dig into old wounds? I have been married for the last 52 years to the same man. Isse jada pyaar main nahin kar sakti hoon," she said, expressing the depth of her enduring affection. She met Amitabh on the sets of 'Guddi' early in her career, and their bond deepened while working together in the 1972 film 'Ek Nazar'.
The Bachchan Family Legacy and Modern Choices
Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan tied the knot in 1973 and are parents to two children: actor Abhishek Bachchan and author Shweta Bachchan Nanda. Abhishek is married to actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, while Shweta is married to businessman Nikhil Nanda. Navya Naveli Nanda, the subject of Jaya's advice, is Shweta's daughter.
Jaya Bachchan's comments reflect a growing dialogue about personal choice and the evolving definitions of relationships and success for women in contemporary India. By advising her granddaughter to prioritize enjoying life over societal milestones, the veteran star bridges her own experience of a lasting, love-at-first-sight marriage with a progressive outlook for the future generation.
