5 controversial moments when Jaya Bachchan made headlines

Jaya Bachchan is a renowned Indian actress and politician, known for her impressive acting career spanning over four decades. She has appeared in numerous iconic films, including 'Guddi,' 'Abhimaan,' and 'Sholay,' showcasing her versatility and talent. Her performances have earned her several awards and nominations, solidifying her position as a respected actress in Indian cinema.

In addition to her acting career, Jaya has also ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha, representing the Samajwadi Party.

She has been embroiled in several controversies throughout her career, making headlines for her outspoken comments and actions. Here are some of the most notable instances when Jaya's words and actions ignited controversy, putting her in the spotlight and making headlines.

Jaya Amitabh Bachchan's Row

Jaya sparked a controversy in the Rajya Sabha when she took issue with being addressed as ‘Jaya Amitabh Bachchan’ by Deputy Chairman Harivansh, a name listed in the official records. Objecting to the use of her husband's surname, Jaya was asked by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar to formally request a name change if she had a problem with it. However, on August 9, she took offense to the Chairman's tone and later demanded an apology from him. Her refusal to be referred to by her husband's name highlights her strong stance on individual identity and autonomy and has ignited a debate on naming conventions and personal choice.

When she objected to the paparazzi calling Aishwarya ‘Aish’

Jaya once sternly reprimanded paparazzi for referring to her daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, as ‘Aish’. When the photographers used the shortened version of Aishwarya's name, Jaya retorted, "What is 'Aish'? Is she your school friend?" Jaya is known to have a love-hate relationship with the paparazzi.

Her take on social media and anxiety

Jaya's comments on social media's role in causing anxiety, shared on her granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda's podcast ‘What the Hell Navya’, sparked a mixed reaction. While some appreciated her insight into the potential negative effects of social media on mental health, others criticized her for oversimplifying the complex issue of anxiety. Some argued that her statement "We never heard of anxiety attacks when we were young" disregarded the fact that mental health issues existed but were stigmatized and undiagnosed in the past.

When Amitabh Bachchan apologized for Jaya's controversial statement

In 2008, Amitabh Bachchan was forced to issue a public apology for his wife Jaya Bachchan's remarks at a promotional event for the film 'Drona'. Jaya's statement, "Hum UP ke log hai, hume Hindi mein baat karni chahiye" ("We are from UP, we should speak in Hindi"), was perceived as anti-Marathi by suspected activists of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The comments sparked outrage, leading Amitabh to apologize on his blog, acknowledging the significance of Maharashtra and expressing regret for any hurt sentiments. He wrote, "If inadvertently this is what has been construed, then we apologize and are sorry and seek forgiveness for any sentiments that have been hurt."

When she slammed Ravi Kishan’s Bollywood bashing

In 2021, she passionately defended the Bollywood film industry in the Rajya Sabha, a day after BJP MP Ravi Kishan alleged a widespread drug addiction problem in the industry. Jaya expressed her embarrassment and shame at his comments, stating that the actions of a few individuals should not be used to tarnish the entire industry.