The marriage of Jaya Bachchan, a rising star in Bollywood, to Amitabh Bachchan, who was on the cusp of superstardom, in June 1973, is a celebrated love story. However, behind the joyous occasion, there were conflicting emotions and concerns, particularly from Jaya's father, Taroon Kumar Bhaduri. While the wedding proceeded, it appears Jaya's father harbored reservations about his daughter settling down.
Jaya's father's reservations stemmed from a desire for his daughters to pursue their ambitions and careers before settling into married life. As Jaya recounted on her granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda's podcast, her father "never wanted" her to get married, as he had raised his three daughters to "do something in life" beyond just marrying, settling down, and having children. This progressive viewpoint clashed with the societal expectations of the time, where a woman's primary role was often seen as that of a wife and mother.
Adding to the complexity, Jaya and Amitabh's decision to marry was somewhat sudden. The couple, along with friends, had planned a trip to London if Amitabh's film 'Zanjeer' became a success. When the film hit the box office, Amitabh's parents insisted that he could only go to London with Jaya if they were married. Amitabh proposed to Jaya, and she agreed. With the wedding date set, Amitabh then sought the approval of Jaya's parents.
While Jaya's father ultimately gave his consent, he wasn't particularly happy. According to Harivansh Rai Bachchan's autobiography, Jaya's family didn't display much enthusiasm during the wedding. He noted their desire for a traditional Bengali-style marriage, which the Bachchans accommodated. However, the lack of visible joy was apparent.
The most telling account of Jaya's father's feelings comes from Harivansh Rai Bachchan's autobiography. After the wedding ceremony, when Harivansh Rai Bachchan congratulated Jaya's father on gaining a son-in-law like Amitabh and expecting a similar compliment in return, Taroon Kumar Bhaduri replied, "My family is utterly ruined". This statement encapsulates his deep-seated concern that Jaya's marriage would derail her career aspirations and limit her potential.
Despite her father's initial opposition, Jaya Bachchan went on to balance her successful acting career with her family life. She starred in several films after her marriage, including 'Abhimaan,' 'Chupke Chupke,' and 'Sholay'. After a break, she returned to acting with movies like 'Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa'. She also became a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Amitabh and Jaya have been married for over 50 years, navigating the challenges of fame, family, and public scrutiny. Their marriage has produced two children, Shweta and Abhishek, and several grandchildren.
It's important to note that in 1989, Jaya's father, Taroon Coomar Bhadhuri, refuted rumors that he was against her marriage to Amitabh. In an article, he described his family as liberal and denied that caste was a concern. He also admired Amitabh's tenacity and was certain that Jaya wouldn't fall for an ordinary man.
The story of Jaya and Amitabh's marriage is a blend of love, ambition, and familial expectations. While Jaya's father initially worried about his daughter's future, she proved that it was possible to have both a fulfilling career and a successful marriage.
