Mumbai, India | December 1, 2025 :
Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan sparked a vibrant debate on December 1, 2025, by calling marriage an “outdated institution” during a candid conversation on her granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda’s popular podcast. The 77-year-old iconic actress, renowned for her roles in classics like Guddi and Sholay, shared her personal views on modern relationships, urging a focus on personal growth rather than conforming to societal pressures. Reflecting on her own 52-year marriage to Amitabh Bachchan, she said, “Marriage binds you in ways that stifle individuality; I’ve seen too many compromises.”
Jaya’s remarks come at a time when urban India is witnessing growing conversations around live-in relationships, with other leading actresses like Taapsee Pannu and Radhika Apte expressing similar progressive thoughts. The statement has polarized fans, with #JayaBachchan trending on social media platform X, drawing praise for her forward-thinking approach and criticism from traditionalists defending family traditions.
Insiders reveal that Navya Naveli Nanda, an entrepreneur and podcaster herself, aligns closely with feminist ideals, though she has yet to publicly respond. Jaya’s appearance promoting the film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani—where she portrayed a strong matriarch challenging social norms—adds further weight to her position on evolving family structures.
This bold declaration by one of Bollywood’s most respected figures could significantly influence younger audiences amid India’s shifting social landscape and may also drive interest in her forthcoming memoir, which promises to delve deeper into her personal and professional journey.
