Jaya Bachchan Birthday: 5 Evergreen Films That Celebrate Her Legacy

As Jaya Bachchan turns 77 today, we look back at the life of a woman who wore multiple hats, with grace. From award-winning performances in the 70s to her recent presence in Parliament, she's more than just an actor, she's a symbol of quiet strength and lasting influence.

Jaya Bachchan's cinematic journey began at 15 with the Satyajit Ray classic Mahanagar. While she had an early start in Bengali films, it was Guddi (1971) that made her a beloved name in Bollywood. With a career spanning from the 1960s to the 1980s, she has played a wide range of roles, leaving a lasting impression through her nuanced, relatable portrayals of Indian women. Apart from acting, she also wrote the script of Shahenshah and took on notable roles after her return to cinema in the 2000s.

Revisiting 5 Timeless Performances That Showcase Jaya Bachchan's Grace 

1. Guddi (1971)

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Guddi was Jaya Bachchan's breakout role. She played a wide-eyed schoolgirl obsessed with film star Dharmendra, bringing innocence and charm to the screen. This debut in mainstream Hindi cinema won hearts and marked the arrival of a new kind of heroine, relatable, grounded, and emotionally intelligent.

2. Abhimaan (1973)

In this musical drama directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Jaya starred opposite Amitabh Bachchan, portraying a talented singer whose rising fame causes tensions in her marriage. Her understated performance captured the quiet resilience of a woman torn between love and her growing independence.

3. Koshish (1972)

Jaya Bachchan played a deaf and mute woman alongside Sanjeev Kumar in this emotionally rich film directed by Gulzar. Her performance was both sensitive and powerful, portraying the struggles and dignity of a couple navigating life with disabilities. The film was a landmark in Indian cinema for its empathetic storytelling.

4. Mili (1975)

In Mili, Jaya played a cheerful young woman hiding a terminal illness, bringing warmth and heartbreak to the role. Her portrayal of Mili's courage and optimism in the face of mortality resonated deeply with audiences and further cemented her status as a versatile performer.

5. Chupke Chupke (1975)

A delightful comedy directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Chupke Chupke showcased Jaya’s impeccable comic timing. She played a newlywed who gets caught in a hilarious mix-up involving mistaken identities. Her easy presence in this light-hearted role made it one of her most loved performances.