Jaya on 52 Years With Amitabh: ‘I Have Loved the Same Man… I Can’t Love More Than This’
In a rare and candid conversation on Mojo Story, Jaya Bachchan opened up about her marriage of 52 years with Amitabh Bachchan, her views on modern relationships, and why she believes the institution of marriage may not hold the same relevance today.
Jaya Says Marriage Feels ‘Outdated’ Today
When asked whether she considers marriage outdated, Jaya responded, “Yes, absolutely.”
She explained that today’s younger generation is far more aware and independent. Referring to her granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda, she said:
“I don’t want Navya to get married. Today, these little children are so smart, and they will smart you.”
Her comment raises a wider question: Does the new generation view marriage differently, or is it simply adapting to changing social realities?
‘Delhi Ka Ladoo’: Jaya Explains Her Take on Marriage
Jaya also spoke about the idea that legal documentation shouldn’t define a relationship. Recalling her own marriage, she said:
“Delhi ka ladoo hai, khao toh mushkil, na khao toh mushkil. Just enjoy life. You don’t have to make it… (signals at pen and paper).”
She revealed that she and Amitabh did not sign their marriage register at the time of their wedding.
“We didn’t even sign the register in old times… we signed the register after I don’t know how many years. That means we were living illegally.”
This brings up another question: If a relationship is strong, do legal formalities matter as much as they once did?
‘He Might Say Biggest Mistake’ - Jaya on Amitabh’s View
When asked whether Amitabh Bachchan shared her views on marriage, she replied:
“I have not asked him. He might say that ‘biggest mistake of my life’, but I don’t want to hear that.”
Her matter-of-fact tone sparked curiosity among viewers: Do long-term partners often view the same relationship differently?
‘Love at First Sight’ and ‘Old Wounds’
Jaya was also asked whether she remembered the moment she fell in love with Amitabh. She responded:
“Do you have to dig into old wounds? I have been married for the last 52 years to the same man. Isse zyada pyaar main nahin kar sakti hoon.”
She added that it was love at first sight for her.
Amitabh and Jaya first met on the sets of Guddi. While Jaya felt an instant connection, Amitabh grew close during the making of Ek Nazar (1972). The couple married in 1973 and have two children — Shweta Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.
A Candid Glimpse Into a 52-Year Partnership
Across the interview, Jaya Bachchan’s remarks offered insight into five decades of companionship while also questioning the conventional structure of marriage today.
Her statements leave room for larger conversations:
Can a relationship of 52 years coexist with the belief that marriage is outdated?
Does love change its meaning across generations?
And how do personal experiences shape our understanding of commitment?
The interview didn’t seek to answer these questions — but it certainly opened the door for them.