Jaya Bachchan, a name synonymous with talent and grace in Indian cinema, achieved significant recognition early in her career, defying conventional expectations. Winning the National Award showcased her acting prowess, but what's particularly striking is that she portrayed Amitabh Bachchan's wife and a mother on screen while still in her twenties.
Born Jaya Bhaduri on April 9, 1948, she began her acting journey as a teenager with Satyajit Ray's Mahanagar (1963). Her official debut as an adult was in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Guddi (1971). This was the first of many collaborations with Mukherjee, a director known for his realistic and relatable storytelling.
Jaya's early roles often depicted her as the girl next door, known for her natural acting style in both mainstream and art house films. Films like Uphaar (1971), Piya Ka Ghar (1972), Parichay (1972), Koshish (1972), and Bawarchi (1972) established her as a prominent actress. Koshish, where she played a deaf woman alongside Sanjeev Kumar, was a particularly significant experience for her, motivating her to pursue social work.
Her first film with Amitabh Bachchan was Bansi Birju (1972), followed by Ek Nazar in the same year. The two married in 1973. Shortly after their marriage, they starred in several films together, including Zanjeer (1973) and Abhimaan (1973). Jaya won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in Abhimaan.
In several of these early films, Jaya played mature roles, including portraying Amitabh Bachchan’s wife, despite being only 28. This demonstrates her versatility and willingness to take on challenging characters that defied her age. She also played a young widow in the iconic film Sholay (1975).
After marriage and motherhood, Jaya reduced her acting workload. She appeared in Yash Chopra’s Silsila (1981). After a long break, she returned to acting with roles in Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa (1998) and Fiza (2000). Fiza earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. She also starred in Karan Johar's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and Nikhil Advani's Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), winning Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actress for both roles. She acted alongside her son, Abhishek Bachchan, in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007) and Drona (2008).
Jaya Bachchan's career is marked by her ability to seamlessly transition between roles, portraying characters of different ages and backgrounds with conviction. Her early success, National Award, and performances as a wife and mother in her twenties, demonstrate her exceptional talent and enduring impact on Indian cinema. In 2025, Amitabh and Jaya celebrated 52 years of marriage.
