Marriage ‘Outdated': Jaya Bachchan urges granddaughter Navya to focus on life and career

Veteran Bollywood actress Jaya Bachchan has sparked a conversation on modern relationships, calling the concept of marriage “outdated” and emphasising that her granddaughter, Navya Naveli Nanda, should prioritise enjoying life over societal expectations.

Speaking at a panel discussion with We The Women in Mumbai, the 77-year-old actress was asked about her thoughts on Navya potentially leaving her career after marriage.

Jaya’s response was candid: “I don’t want Navya to get married.”

When the host questioned her about whether marriage itself is an outdated institution, she replied, “Yes, absolutely. I am a grandmother now. Navya turns 28 in a few days. I am too old to advise young girls on how to bring up children.”

She elaborated on the changing times, noting that “things have changed so much, and today little children are so smart they will outsmart you.” The actress, married to Amitabh Bachchan for over 50 years, even compared weddings to Delhi-ka ladoo, saying, “Khao toh mushily, na khao toh bhi mushily. But just enjoy life!”

Jaya has previously shared progressive views alongside Navya on the latter’s podcast. She highlighted that in her era, societal norms limited personal choices, but today’s generation can explore emotional and physical compatibility before committing.

“People will find it objectionable coming from me, but physical attraction and compatibility are also very important. In our times, we couldn’t experiment, but today’s generation does, and why shouldn’t they? Because that also is responsible for a long-lasting relationship,” she explained.

Navya Naveli Nanda, niece of actor Abhishek Bachchan, has carved out a distinct path from the entertainment industry. After graduating from New York’s Fordham University in 2020, she co-founded Aara Health, a health-tech platform, and is currently pursuing a blended MBA program at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. While her brother, Agastya Nanda, chose to enter acting,

Navya has focused on entrepreneurship and social impact.  With her candid remarks, Jaya Bachchan underscores the importance of personal freedom, emotional growth, and self-discovery, encouraging the younger generation to redefine traditional expectations around marriage and relationships.