Jaya Bachchan says she was happier being a mother and wife than being an actor after marriage: 'It was not a sacrifice'

Jaya Bachchan recalled people’s comments after she quit films to raise her daughter Shweta Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan. She said that putting her career on the backseat for her family ‘was not a sacrifice at all’.

Jaya Bachchan joined granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda and daughter Shweta Bachchan for the finale episode of Navya’s podcast What The Hell Navya, which dropped on Saturday. As they discussed the life of women in India, especially their life after marriage, Jaya recalled quitting films to raise her children after her marriage with Amitabh Bachchan. When Navya spoke about the sacrifices women had to make for the sake of their families, Jaya objected to her using the word ‘sacrifice’.

Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan tied the knot in 1973.

“I don’t think sacrifice is the right word (for married women) that I would use. I would say that you are putting somebody else’s requirements, emotions and thoughts before yours. It is not a sacrifice, I think when you do something from within you, it is not a sacrifice. You know you are an educated girl, you are a smart girl, why should you be saying sacrifice,” Jaya Bachchan told Navya. Jaya and Amitabh married on June 3, 1973, and are parents to Shweta and Abhishek Bachchan.

Further speaking about her own experience as a mother, Jaya said, “I remember when I stopped working and everybody said, ‘Oh she’s sacrificed her career for her marriage and children’, it was not so. I was really very happy being a mother and a wife. I enjoyed that role more than what I was getting to do (in films), which is a repeat of the same thing. It was not a sacrifice at all.”

In the same episode, Navya’s mother, entrepreneur Shweta Bachchan, also mentioned that women need to be more supportive of each other. Sharing the last episode of her podcast, Navya wrote on YouTube, “What started in the pandemic as a routine catch-up because everyone was locked down under the same roof, is now a show! Our hosts have bared their hearts, spilled the beans and the tea, and been our friends, philosophers, and guides. In this episode, they wrap up this season with some takeaways and memories. They may or may not be back but we hope the love and wisdom is shared and appreciated widely. Until next time!”