Low-key affair for Jaya Bachchan's 65th birthday

Legendary actor Jaya Bachchan turned 65 today.

After entertaining millions over the years with some memorable performances, Amitabh’s better-half is now focusing on family, politics and very few movie commitments.


L-R Jaya Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan attend the world premiere of Raavan on June 16, 2010 in London, England. The Bachchans are Bollywood's "first family" and have a fanatical following in India and around the world. (GETTY IMAGES)

She was 15-years-old when she made her on-screen debut in Satyajit Ray's 1963 ‘Mahanagar’, but it was for her adult role in 1971-hit ‘Guddi’ that she found much acceptance.

After that, she followed it up with a string of brilliant performances in movies like ‘Uphaar’ (1971), ‘Koshish’ (1972) and ‘Kora Kagaz’ (1974).

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walking behind with mother-in-law Jaya Bachchan. (AP)

After marrying Amitabh Bachchan in 1973, the two shared screen space in several hit films like ‘Zanjeer’ (1973), ‘Abhimaan’ (1973), ‘Chupke Chupke’ (1975) and ‘Sholay’ (1975).
 

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan (L) poses with wife Jaya Bachchan (2nd L) , son-in-law Nikhil Nanda (C), daughter Shweta Nanda (3rd R), son Abhishek Bachchan (2nd R) and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan during a party on the eve of Amitabh Bachchan's 70th birthday in Mumbai on October 10, 2012. (AFP)

They even paired together in the controversial ‘Silsila’ (1981), alongside Amitabh’s alleged lover Rekha. She took a 17-year break following this movie.
She returned with the poignant performance with ‘Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Ma’ in 1998, and even in Karan Johar’s runaway commercial success ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’ in 2001.

Bollywood's Bachchans at the Jab Tak Hai Jaan red carpet: (L to R) Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan. (Sanskriti Media & Entertainment)

Her movie appearances have been far too few, with Karan’s ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ (2003) and ‘Laaga Chunnari Mein Daag’ (2007).

 

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, right, poses with his family members, from left, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, son Abhishek Bachchan and wife Jaya Bachchan, after receiving the award for the best actor during the 57th National Film Award ceremony, in New Delhi, India. (AP)

She has also appeared in telly ads along with her husband, the most recent being for jewellery brand Tanishq.

The couple has three grandchildren Navya Naveli, Agastya Nanda and Aaradhya Bachchan. 

Khan's 2001 project with Karan Johar featured Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji. It was one of the first Bollywood films to truly tap the expat Indian audience and was a long-running cinematic hit (FILE)