Veteran actor Jaya Bachchan has never been one to sugar-coat her truth, and once again, she’s sparked a conversation at a recent event. Not known for mincing her words, Jaya at the We The Women event, said she considers marriage an outdated institution—so much so that she wouldn’t want her granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda to feel bound by it.
At the event hosted by Barkha Dutta, Jaya Bachchan said that today’s young women and even young children are far more aware and independent, making traditional expectations feel increasingly irrelevant.
During the chat, Jaya said, “I don't want Navya to get married.”
She further added, “Yes, absolutely. I am a grandmother now. Navya turns 28 in a few days. I am too old to advise young girls on how to bring up children. Things have changed so much and today little children are so smart, they will outsmart you.”
She added, “Woh Delhi ka laddoo he khao toh mushkil na khao toh bhi mushkil. But just enjoy life!”
It’s a striking statement, considering Jaya herself has been married for 52 years. But that’s exactly why it hits harder. Her point wasn't to dismiss companionship or commitment; it was to question the need for a legal label in an era where relationships operate on completely different terms. According to her, the world has changed faster than the rules that once governed love, partnership, and family.
Her comments have sparked fresh debate online about evolving attitudes toward marriage among younger generations.
Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan formally met on the sets of ‘Guddi’, with the help of Hrishikesh Mukherjee. In later interviews, Jaya admitted that from their first meeting, she sensed a unique spark in him and believed he was destined for great things in Indian cinema. Her feelings rapidly evolved into deep affection.
Surprisingly, it was Jaya, not Amitabh, who first recognised the blossoming love between them. Their time on the set of "Ek Nazar" was pivotal, as Amitabh too began to realise his growing feelings for her.
Following the success of ‘Zanjeer’, Big B tied the knot with Jaya and thus began their 52-year-old love story.
In 2025, modern relationships look nothing like they did a few decades ago. People prioritise individual growth, emotional compatibility and mental health. Many young couples choose to live together, build careers first, before getting into a marriage.
So when Jaya says marriage feels outdated, she’s echoing a sentiment already brewing across urban India: Do we still need marriage to validate commitment?
The big question
As individuality takes centre-stage, and as Bollywood’s veterans and youth echo different but valid perspectives, we’re left with a larger question for our times: Is marriage still relevant, or is it simply evolving into something more flexible, personal, and fluid?
