In a candid revelation that has sparked widespread discussion, veteran Bollywood actress and Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan has labelled the institution of marriage as outdated for the modern era. The 77-year-old screen icon expressed her firm belief during a conversation about her granddaughter, entrepreneur Navya Naveli Nanda, who is set to celebrate her 28th birthday.
"I Don't Want Navya to Get Married": A Grandmother's Unconventional Wish
When directly questioned about whether she would be comfortable seeing her granddaughter potentially leave her career post-marriage, as was common in previous generations, Jaya Bachchan's response was unequivocal. "I don't want Navya to get married," the 'Abhimaan' actress stated plainly. She further advised Navya with the simple yet powerful words, "Just enjoy life." This surprising stance was shared during an interview with We The Women, where Bachchan elaborated that today's younger generation is exceptionally smart and capable of making their own informed decisions.
Marriage: The Delhi-ka-Ladoo Dilemma
Jaya Bachchan employed a vivid and relatable metaphor to explain her complex view on matrimony. She compared marriage to Delhi-ka ladoo, a popular Indian sweet. If you eat it, you land in trouble, but if you don't, you are left with regret. This analogy perfectly captures the societal pressure and the personal dilemma many face regarding marriage.
Progressive Views on Compatibility and Relationships
This is not the first time Jaya Bachchan and Navya Naveli Nanda have showcased their progressive mindset. On Navya's own podcast, the veteran actress had highlighted the critical importance of emotional and mental compatibility in a relationship. Pushing the boundaries of conventional discourse, she also stressed the significance of physical attraction. "People will find it objectionable coming from me but physical attraction and compatibility are also very important," Bachchan had said.
She acknowledged the generational shift, noting that while her own generation could not experiment freely, today's youth can and should, as these factors contribute to a long-lasting relationship. For Jaya Bachchan, the lasting power of love is what ultimately matters, more than the formal structure of marriage.
By openly sharing these thoughts, Jaya Bachchan has positioned herself as a voice of progressive change, challenging traditional norms and encouraging younger women to prioritize personal fulfillment and smart life choices over societal expectations.
