Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan’s performances have left an indelible mark on Bollywood’s golden era. As we revisit their legacy, here are six unforgettable films that showcase why the Bachchan’s remain a timeless duo.
Zanjeer (1973): The film led to the creation of the ‘Angry Young Man’ and resurrected Amitabh Bachchan’s career. Jaya Bachchan (then Bhaduri) played Mala, a feisty working-class girl who goes on to become his love interest and emotional anchor. Their chemistry in the film is said to have sparked their real-life romance. (Image: IMDb)
Abhimaan (1973): The film follows Subir (Amitabh Bachchan), a successful singer, who is initially proud of his wife Uma’s (Jaya Bhaduri) talent, until her popularity eclipses his own and causes a rift in their marriage. How the couple reconciles their differences forms the crux of the plot. (Image: IMDb)
Chupke Chupke (1975): The film is based on the Bengali film Chhadmabeshi (1971). In the Hindi film, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Dharmendra played the lead role of Professor Parimal Tripathi, Amitabh Bachchan played his friend Sukumar, drawn into an elaborate prank involving mistaken identities. His scenes with Jaya Bachchan were noted for their warm humour. (Image: IMDb)
Sholay (1975): In this classic, Amitabh Bachchan played the role of Jai, recruited by Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) to apprehend infamous bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). Jaya Bachchan was cast as Radha, the Takur’s widowed daughter-in-law, and her unspoken chemistry with Jai added a tender emotional core to the film’s action-packed pitch. (Image: IMDb)
Silsila (1981): The film generated immense buzz, due to its sensational casting (Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha). The story explores emotional terrain of love, loss, and infidelity. Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha portrayed former lovers whose paths cross again after marrying other people, leading to a resurgence of forbidden love. (Image: IMDb)
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001): The film made on the lines of Ramayana, featured a stellar cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor. Amitabh and Jaya played Yash and Nandini, the wealthy adoptive parents of Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan), who leaves the family home after defying his father’s wish and marrying Anjali. (Image: IMDb)
