When Jaya Bachchan spoke out on Amitabh Bachchan’s rumoured affair with Rekha and if she’d mind them working together again: ‘My life would have been hell if…’

Despite Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha consistently denying involvement with each other, it’s doubtful if any other relationship rumour in Bollywood has endured as long or as intensely.

Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha in director Yash Chopras’ Silsila. (Express file photo)

Though Bollywood’s Shahenshah Amitabh Bachchan and legendary actor Jaya Bachchan (née Jaya Bhaduri) have been married for 51 years, gossip circles continue to speculate whether Big B has a relationship with the thespian par excellence Rekha. Despite Amitabh and Rekha consistently denying involvement, it’s doubtful if any other relationship rumour in Bollywood has endured as long or as intensely.

In fact, Jaya herself has faced this question multiple times. However, her response during a 2008 interview with People magazine stands out for its clarity and conviction. When asked about thealleged affair between Amitabh and Rekha, she replied, “If there was any, he would have been somewhere else, na? People liked them as a couple on screen, and that’s fine. The media tried linking him with every one of his heroines. My life would have been hell if I had taken it all seriously. We are made of sterner stuff.”

Jaya Bachchan was also asked if she would object to Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha working together again, to which she firmly responded that she wouldn’t. “Why should I mind? But I feel it will be more like a sensation than actual work. And that’s a pity because one will miss the opportunity of seeing them together. Both of them probably realise it will go beyond work.”

On how she maintained a lasting marriage, Jaya explained, “By just leaving him alone. You have to have the conviction. I married a good man and a family that believes in commitment. You must not get too possessive, especially in our profession, where you know things aren’t going to be easy. You can either drive the artiste crazy or you can help him or her grow. And if he goes, then he was never yours!”

One of the most cherished on-screen couples of all time, Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha joined forces in several films including Do Anjaane (1976), Alaap (1977), Khoon Pasina (1977), Ganga Ki Saugandh (1978), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Mr Natwarlal (1979), Suhaag (1979), Ram Balram (1980) and Silsila (1981). However, they haven’t shared the screen in 43 years since Silsila, directed by Yash Chopra, which also featured Jaya Bachchan in a key role.

Jaya Bachchan Opens Up About Marriage Amid Amitabh-Rekha Rumors: ‘Life Would’ve Been Hell…’

In an old interview from 2008, Jaya Bachchan made a heartfelt revelation on the secret to a long and successful marriage.

Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan tied the knot in 1973 and have since been one of the evergreen couples of Bollywood. The duo have often been in the limelight for their enduring bond and remarkable careers. However, their love story hasn’t been without challenges, especially when whispers of Amitabh’s alleged affair with Rekha started circulating throughout the industry during the 1970s. Fans loved their on-screen chemistry and they soon became one of the most cherished pairs. Jaya has talked about her marriage several times but one particular interview from 2008 struck a chord as she candidly addressed the rumours related to Rekha.

Jaya Bachchan shares her perspective on Amitabh Bachchan’s link-up buzz with Rekha

In a 2008 interview with People magazine, Jaya spoke about how she navigated the media frenzy and public scrutiny surrounding her husband. When asked about the persistent gossip of Amitabh’s alleged romance with Rekha, she dismissed the speculations and remarked:
“If there was any, he would have been somewhere else, na? People liked them as a couple on screen, and that’s fine. The media tried linking him with every one of his heroines. My life would have been hell if I had taken it all seriously. We are made of sterner stuff.”

Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha were last seen sharing the screen in Yash Chopra’s film, Silsila, in which Jaya also played a key role. Once again, their on-screen chemistry sparked rumours of Amitabh and Rekha’s off-screen relationship. Even though Jaya has maintained a grounded approach by paying no heed to the buzz, she shared seeing them share the screen once again would create more sensation than substance. Jaya said:
“Why should I mind? But I feel it will be more like a sensation than actual work. And that’s a pity because one will miss the opportunity of seeing them together. Both of them probably realise it will go beyond work.”

Jaya Bachchan’s secret to a long and lasting marriage

During the interview, Jaya reflected on how she managed to keep her marriage intact amid the storm of rumours. With Amitabh Bachchan being such a desirable man in the industry, Jaya shared her secret to having such a lasting marriage as theirs. Talking about how to keep their man, Jaya shared:
“By just leaving him alone. You have to have the conviction. I married a good man and a family that believes in commitment. You must not get too possessive, especially in our profession, where you know things aren’t going to be easy. You can either drive the artiste crazy or you can help him or her grow. And if he goes, then he was never yours!”

Amitabh Bachchan’s simple yet heartfelt gesture for Jaya Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan recently warmed hearts during Kaun Banega Crorepati 16 by sharing lighthearted and endearing anecdotes about his life with his wife, Jaya Bachchan. The megastar revealed that whenever he sees street children selling jasmine garlands, he buys them, either to gift Jaya or keep in his car to enjoy their fragrance. In the same episode, the megastar admitted how he still relies on his wife to get cash when needed, as he doesn’t understand the mechanics of ATM.

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Now married for over 51 years, Amitabh and Jaya, together with their two children, Shweta and Abhishek Bachchan, continue to rule the hearts of fans through their unyielding bond.

What do you think of Jaya’s approach to love and commitment?