Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan are one of Bollywood’s most iconic couples, known for their incredible careers, long-lasting marriage, and significant influence in Indian cinema. While both have enjoyed successful careers, they have always maintained mutual respect and admiration for each other. One moment that stands out in their storied relationship is when Amitabh Bachchan passionately stood up for his wife, Jaya Bachchan, by acknowledging her maiden name, Bhaduri, and emphasizing that she is “more famous” under her own identity. This incident not only showcased the depth of Amitabh’s admiration for Jaya but also underscored important conversations about women’s identities, especially in the context of marriage and patriarchal expectations. We explore the significance of this moment, the cultural and social implications of women’s names post-marriage, the individual careers of Amitabh and Jaya, and how this episode resonates in contemporary society. The incident in question took place during a public event or conversation where the topic of Jaya Bachchan’s name came up. It is well-known that Jaya Bhaduri adopted her husband’s surname, becoming Jaya Bachchan, after their marriage in 1973. However, in this particular instance, Amitabh Bachchan made a point to assert that Jaya’s maiden name, Bhaduri, holds significant value and that she was already a renowned and successful actress long before they were married. Amitabh’s statement, “She is more famous as Jaya Bhaduri,” was not only a defense of her individual achievements but also a reminder that Jaya’s identity and success were firmly established before she became associated with the Bachchan name. His words reflected a deeper understanding of Jaya’s contributions to cinema and her importance as an individual, not just as his wife or a member of the Bachchan family. This moment was particularly impactful because, in Indian society, women often lose a part of their identity post-marriage by adopting their husband’s surname, leading to a fusion of their individual identity with their spouse’s. Amitabh’s recognition of Jaya as Jaya Bhaduri, and his insistence that her fame under her maiden name is just as important, was a rare instance of a public figure challenging the traditional norms around marriage and identity. Before becoming Jaya Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri was already a celebrated actress in Indian cinema. Born into a Bengali family with roots in literature and the arts, Jaya pursued acting with passion and dedication. She made her debut as a teenager in Satyajit Ray’s Bengali film Mahanagar (1963), but it was her performance in Guddi (1971) that truly established her as a rising star in Bollywood. Jaya’s natural acting style, combined with her girl-next-door charm, resonated with audiences. Her portrayal of strong yet relatable women in films like Koshish (1972), Abhimaan (1973), and Chupke Chupke (1975) further solidified her place in the hearts of fans and critics alike. She was known for her versatility, effortlessly transitioning between comedic, dramatic, and romantic roles. Jaya’s performances were marked by depth and authenticity, making her one of the most respected actresses of her time. By the time she married Amitabh Bachchan in 1973, Jaya Bhaduri was already a household name. Her fame, built on her own hard work and talent, was undeniable. Amitabh’s recognition of this fact, through his statement about her maiden name, was not just a gesture of love but an acknowledgment of her stature as an accomplished actress long before she became Jaya Bachchan.
When Amitabh Bachchan stood up for Jaya Bachchan using her maiden name Bhaduri: ‘She is more famous…’
Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan’s marriage is one of Bollywood’s longest and most enduring partnerships. Their relationship has stood the test of time, weathering the highs and lows of both their personal lives and their careers in the public eye. Together, they have built a formidable legacy in Indian cinema, contributing significantly to the industry and becoming a symbol of grace, respect, and resilience in marriage. While Amitabh Bachchan rose to become the “Shahenshah” of Bollywood, Jaya took a step back from acting after their marriage, focusing on raising their family. Despite this, she continued to work sporadically in films, leaving her mark with powerful performances in movies like Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa (1998), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), and Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003). Over the years, Jaya also ventured into politics, becoming a member of the Rajya Sabha and serving as a parliamentarian for the Samajwadi Party. Amitabh Bachchan’s public defense of Jaya’s maiden name highlights the couple’s mutual respect for each other’s individual achievements. It was not merely a statement about names but a testament to how both Amitabh and Jaya value their personal and professional identities, even within the confines of marriage. Their partnership stands as an example of how two individuals, despite being married, can retain their uniqueness and continue to support each other’s individual journeys. In India, as in many parts of the world, it is customary for women to adopt their husband’s surname after marriage. This tradition, deeply rooted in patriarchy, often leads to the erasure of a woman’s identity as her own person, reducing her to her role as someone’s wife or as part of her husband’s family. While this practice has been challenged in recent years, with more women choosing to retain their maiden names or hyphenate their surnames, it remains a deeply ingrained norm in Indian society. Amitabh Bachchan’s assertion that Jaya was “more famous as Jaya Bhaduri” directly confronts this societal expectation. By publicly celebrating her accomplishments under her maiden name, Amitabh questioned the notion that a woman’s identity must be subsumed by her husband’s after marriage. His statement also encouraged a broader discussion about the importance of recognizing and respecting women’s achievements independently of their marital status. This incident resonates with the ongoing conversation about gender equality and the need to challenge traditional gender roles. Women’s identities should not be defined by their relationships, but rather by their own talents, achievements, and individualism. Amitabh Bachchan’s defense of Jaya Bhaduri’s name serves as a reminder that women’s contributions and successes deserve recognition in their own right, irrespective of their marital status or their husband’s fame.