New Delhi: In a heated session in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, actor-politician Jaya Bachchan objected to Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh addressing her as "Shrimati Jaya Amitabh Bachchan." She asserted that her identity is independent of her husband's name.
Jaya Bachchan objects to being called by her husband's name
As Harivansh invited her to speak, Jaya sharply responded, “Sir, sirf Jaya Bachchan bolte to kaafi hota” (It would’ve been enough to call me Jaya Bachchan). When it was pointed out that her official name included her husband's, she criticized the practice.
"Ye jo hain kuch naya tarika hain ki mahilaayen apne pati ke naam se jaani jaye. Unka koi astitva nahi. Unki koi upalabdhi nahi hain, apne mein aur astitva nahi hain. Ye jo naya shuru hua hain, I just..." (This new trend of women being known by their husband's name implies they have no identity or achievements of their own. This new thing, I just...)
Netizens' reactions
The incident sparked reactions online, with many supporting her stance. Fans praised her courage, and some questioned why Amitabh's name was used without her consent. One supporter noted, "She's not wrong in any sense," emphasising that Jaya was a successful actress before marrying Amitabh Bachchan.
When Jaya's granddaughter called her an inspiration
The episode rekindled discussions about women's identities in public and professional spheres. Jaya's granddaughter, Navya Naveli Nanda, has previously described her as an inspiration, highlighting her grandmother's strength and independence.
In a 2021 interview with Her Circle, Navya said, “She is someone who has managed to create her own identity, leave her own mark. One of the biggest things I respect about her is how she uses her voice for things she is passionate about. She has always been very unapologetic, to the point, unfiltered, and she has a spine.”