“Call Me Jaya Bachchan”: Actress Politician’s Fiery Response in Parliament. In a recent Rajya Sabha session on July 29, 2024, veteran actress and politician Jaya Bachchan made headlines when she objected to being addressed by her husband’s name. The incident occurred when Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh referred to her as “Shrimati Jaya Amitabh Bachchan ji,” prompting a strong response from Jaya.
Jaya Bachchan’s Firm Response
Jaya Bachchan, originally Jaya Bhaduri, adopted her husband Amitabh Bachchan’s surname after their marriage in 1973. However, during the parliamentary session, when Mr. Harivansh read her name from a cue card and invited her to speak, Jaya quickly responded, “Sir, sirf Jaya Bachchan bolte to kaafi hojata (It would’ve been enough to call me Jaya Bachchan).” The Deputy Chairman clarified that he was reading her name as officially registered.
Jaya Bachchan continued in Hindi, expressing her frustration with the practice of women being identified by their husbands’ name. She stated, “Some new methods have emerged that women have to be known by their husband’s name. Women have no identity. They have no achievements, no identity of their own. This new thing, I just…”
Mixed Reactions from Netizens
The incident quickly went viral, with netizens divided in their opinions. Many users praised Jaya for standing up for herself and highlighting an important issue. One user commented, “People today are so selective. Had there been any other woman in her place, the comments would have supported her. She is not wrong though. Before she became a ‘Bachchan’ she was a successful actress herself. Indeed, how far we have come.”
However, a significant portion of the internet criticized her for choosing the wrong platform to address this issue. One user remarked, “How could you say that ki ‘unki koi uplabdhi nai hai.’ Mrs. Jaya Bachchan should remember that people tolerate her arrogant attitude just because of your husband, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan!”
Jaya Bachchan, married to Amitabh Bachchan since 1973, has always been a prominent figure in both the film industry and politics. The recent incident in the Rajya Sabha has once again brought her into the spotlight, sparking discussions about women’s identity and societal norms.