Veteran Bollywood icon Jaya Bachchan has always carved her own path, both through her iconic film choices in the 70s and her unapologetically honest opinions off-screen today. While her cinematic legacy, built on films like 'Zanjeer', 'Abhimaan', and 'Guddi', remains untouchable, it is her recent candid remarks about ageing, cosmetic procedures, and the modern media landscape that are sparking conversations.
Embracing Age with Pride and Rejecting Artificial Enhancements
In an industry often obsessed with youth, Jaya Bachchan stands as a defiant proponent of natural ageing. She is frequently seen confidently sporting her grey hair, a visual testament to her philosophy. In a past interview with Times of India, the actress laid bare her thoughts on getting older.
"I’m very proud of every wrinkle and grey hair," she declared. Elaborating on her staunch opposition to artificial interventions like Botox, she stated firmly, "I never used anything artificial on my face. Never will." This commitment to authenticity extends beyond her personal choices and into her pride for her family.
During the same conversation, she expressed immense joy in how her children, Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan Nanda, turned out. "There is not a single day in my life when I don’t look at them with pride, for being such fine human beings. I am so glad we didn’t bring them up to be spoilt brats," the proud mother shared.
A Scathing Critique of the Paparazzi Culture
While she respects legitimate journalism, a legacy from her father who was a journalist, Bachchan has drawn a clear line when it comes to the paparazzi. Her off-screen interactions with photographers often go viral, and she recently offered a no-holds-barred assessment of their role.
In a chat with journalist Barkha Dutt, Bachchan distinguished between the media she grew up with and today's paparazzi. "I am the product of the media, but my relationship with paparazzi is zero. Who are these people? Are they trained to represent the people of this country? You call them media?" she questioned.
She further criticized their demeanor and ethics, saying, "But ye jo bahar drain-pipe type gande gande pants pehen kar, haath me mobile le ke. They think just because they have a mobile, they can take your picture and say what they want and the kind of comments they pass." This comment highlights her frustration with the unchecked and often intrusive nature of celebrity photography in the digital age.
A Legacy of Impactful Roles and Selective Appearances
Jaya Bachchan's screen presence has been selective but powerful in recent decades. Her most recent appearance was in Karan Johar's 2023 family drama 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani', where she delivered a memorable performance. This selective approach ensures that her appearances remain events, and her voice, when she chooses to speak, carries significant weight.
From defining an era of Indian cinema with her powerful performances to now defining a stance on self-acceptance and media accountability, Jaya Bachchan continues to be a formidable figure. Her journey reflects a consistent thread of being true to herself, whether through the characters she portrayed or the principles she upholds in public life today.
