Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri have been married for over 50 years, and even today, they are considered one of Bollywood's most enduring couples. Their wedding took place on June 3, 1973, in a modest ceremony attended only by close friends and family. But the marriage itself happened rather suddenly — and there was a reason behind it.

Bachchan and Jaya had starred together in the 1973 film Zanjeer. Before the film’s release, director Prakash Mehra had made a promise — if the film became a hit, he would take the lead actors on a celebratory trip to London. The film, made on a budget of ₹90 lakh, grossed over ₹17.5 crore, becoming a major success.

Following this, plans for the London trip were set in motion. However, when Amitabh’s parents, Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan, learned that Amitabh and Jaya were planning to travel together, they objected. They insisted the two should not go abroad together unless they were married. Respecting their wishes, Amitabh quickly proposed to Jaya. When she agreed, he spoke to her parents, who also gave their consent.

Thus, the wedding was arranged without delay — held in a Mumbai temple with only close family and friends present.

Interestingly, before their marriage, Amitabh had one condition: he wanted Jaya to be selective with her film choices rather than accepting every role offered. He did not want a wife who worked full-time in the film industry. Jaya honoured that request. After their marriage, she gradually reduced her film commitments.

Following the birth of their daughter Shweta the next year, and later their son Abhishek, Jaya almost completely stepped away from acting. Her final film appearance before a long hiatus was in Silsila (1981).

Silsila itself was steeped in controversy. It was released at a time when rumours of an alleged affair between Amitabh Bachchan and actress Rekha were widely reported in the media. Director Yash Chopra chose to cast Amitabh, Jaya, and Rekha in a film that mirrored their supposed real-life dynamics — a love triangle between a husband, his wife, and his ex-lover. The film’s tagline, “When real life comes to reel life,” only fuelled speculation.

Despite the buzz, Silsila marked the last time Amitabh and Rekha appeared together on screen. After this, Jaya stayed away from films almost entirely, choosing to focus on her family and private life.