New Delhi – Veteran actor and Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan has spoken candidly on her personal life, family, and career in a wide-ranging interview with journalist Barkha Dutt during Mojo Story’s We The Women program. From granddaughter Navya’s marriage to views on paparazzi, politics, and husband Amitabh Bachchan, the conversation offered rare insights into the actor’s journey.
Jaya mentioned starting her film career when she was 13 with Satyajit Ray’s Mahanagar. She said she had always been a spoilt child and was showered with affection. That, she said, being the case, she always behaved mischievously.
When asked if marriage is an outdated institution, Jaya said in agreement, I don’t want Navya to marry. She’s turning 28 soon. Today’s children are smarter than us; they can outsmart us.”
Known for her sharp reactions to paparazzi, Jaya clarified: “My relationship with the media is excellent—I am a product of media. But with paparazzi, it is zero. Who are they? What training do they have?” She also says she ignores negativity on social media, claiming that she does not really care about online hate.
On Amitabh Bachchan Comparing herself with her husband, she praised his discipline: “He doesn’t speak openly like me, but knows how to say the right thing at the right time. That’s why I married him. She also remembered supporting Amitabh’s entry into politics, campaigning door‑to‑door, while her own family worried about her outspoken nature.
On Career Choices Jaya disclosed she quit acting at the peak of her career after her daughter asked her not to go for a shoot: I realised it was time to stop. I was tired of repetitive roles, though playing mother and wife was most interesting. She returned to films later with Govind Nihalani’s Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa, saying she felt lonely after daughter Shweta’s marriage and accepted the role instantly.
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