Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan's love story is what retro Bollywood romance is made of

If you belong to Generation Z like me, your first encounter with Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan was likely in Karan Johar's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, where the real-life couple portrayed the reel-life billionaire couple, the Raichand's, popularly known as SRK's parents. It was only later that I discovered their work in Bollywood, which had left a significant impact on generations before ours. 

Big B or the Shahenshah of Bollywood; known for his deep voice and height would tower over most doors; rose to success with Zanjeer, where he starred opposite his wife of the past 5 decades, Jaya Bachchan. Back then, she was known as Jaya Bahaduri; an actress who was known for her fantastic acting prowess that only a few possessed. The movie was not only responsible for hard-launching Amitabh's career but also played a part in the iconic duo tying the knot in 1973.

The couple, whose love story has left its mark on Bollywood, has a relationship complete with complexities that deserves its own retelling on the big screen. On the occasion of their 52nd wedding anniversary, let's look at the couple's complete relationship timeline. 

1. First Meeting 

Even before they first officially met, Mr. Bachchan was captivated by the young actress after seeing her photo in a magazine ad while he was still a rising star. Little did he know, he would soon be meeting his dream girl on the set of Guddi, where Jaya played the lead. Initially, Amitabh was set to star alongside her but was replaced due to a directorial decision. They later did end up working together in Bansi Birju in 1972. For Jaya, it was love at first sight.

2. The success of Zanjeer 

After a string of flops, many actresses refused to work with Amitabh in Zanjeer; which is when Jaya stepped in as his personal rescue team. The couple made a pact while filming the movie that if it was a hit, the two would go to London together. The film went on to be a massive success, being a turning point in their relationship. As promised, the two were set to begin their voyage to London when Amitabh's traditional parents opposed this. They were against the young lovebirds dating and going on a vacation before their marriage. This led to Big B asking Jaya's parents for her hand in marriage. Soon after, the two tied the knot in a temple in Mumbai. 

3. Marriage and more

Post his marriage, Amitabh had one condition: he didn't want his wife working all the time so he asked the actress to be more judicious about choosing her projects. Jaya agreed, and they went on to star in multiple projects together. One of them was Sholay, the movie which is a cult legend in Indian cinema. While shooting Sholay, Jaya discovered she was pregnant and after the birth of their first child, Jaya Bachchan took a long hiatus from the film industry, bringing an abrupt halt to the superstar's massive career. Silsila ended up being her last movie for years to come. 

4. The Lore of Silsila 

One of the biggest controversies in Bollywood was the alleged affair between Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha. It was believed to be an affair that started post their marriage that majority of the Indian public was talking about. During this time came a Yash Chopra romance that cast these very three stars which mimicked their real-life love triangle closely. Bachchan's character was called Amit in the movie, adding fuel to the forest-sized fire. How Yash Chopra got the three to this movie – we will never know.

5. Coolie and life threatening injury 

In 1982, Amitabh was involved in a serious injury when filming for Coolie. During the shoot, Bachchan miscalculated his jump and landed incorrectly, leading to internal bleeding in his stomach. During an interview with Simi Garewal in the years later, Jaya Bachchan had opened up about her experience seeing her husband in that state, which left her shocked. 

6. Jaya Bachchan's comeback in Bollywood 

Her second run in Bollywood saw Jaya Bachchan taking up many work opportunities that made her an instant hit among the younger generations. Some of the best credits include movies like Kal Ho Na Ho and Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham. The latter saw her star opposite her husband in a star-studded cast and remains a Bollywood classic to this date.  

7. The Couple Today

Completing over fifty years of married life, the Bachchans are now one of the most sought-after and well-respected families in Bollywood. Jaya Bachchan last acted in Karan Johar's 2023 film Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani and has been an active member of Rajya Sabha in the Indian parliament. Amitabh Bachchan has been the game show host of Kaun Banega Crorepati for more than 20 years and will next be seen in 2026's Ramayana I.

The two live together with their two children, actor Abhishek Bachchan, celebrity Shweta Bachchan, former Miss World daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Rai and three grandchildren.