For most Indians, Jaya Bachchan’s name instantly brings to mind her iconic roles in films like Abhimaan, Chupke Chupke, and Sholay. But for her granddaughter, Navya Naveli Nanda, the veteran actor’s real story goes far beyond the silver screen. In a candid conversation with journalist Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, Navya shared that her grandmother’s first dream wasn’t acting; it was to serve the country by joining the Indian Army.
Jaya Bachchan's filmography
Born on April 9, 1948, Jaya Bachchan is among Hindi cinema’s most celebrated actresses and a respected political figure. She has been a member of the Rajya Sabha from the Samajwadi Party since 2004, representing the party for over two decades. Her film journey began as a teenager with Satyajit Ray’s Mahanagar (1963), followed by her breakthrough role in Guddi (1971), which made her a household name. Over the years, her natural acting style and emotional depth redefined the portrayal of women in Hindi films.
Jaya Bachchan went on to deliver remarkable performances in Koshish, Uphaar, Kora Kagaz, and Mili. Alongside her husband, Amitabh Bachchan, she starred in several classics like Zanjeer, Abhimaan, and Sholay, making them one of the most iconic on-screen couples in Indian cinema. With ten prestigious Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement honour, and a Padma Shri from the Government of India.
Jaya Bachchan wanted to join Army
However, Navya recently revealed that despite her grandmother’s phenomenal success in films, Jaya Bachchan’s heart always leaned toward serving the nation. "She once told me that her childhood dream was to join the Indian Army. She’s always been deeply patriotic and wanted to contribute to the country in some meaningful way," Navya said, explaining that her grandmother’s political career is a natural extension of that spirit.
Navya further added that Jaya Bachchan views her role in politics as her way of giving back. “She often says she’s received so much love and respect from the country, and now it’s her turn to serve,” Navya shared, describing her grandmother’s deep sense of duty.
Talking about her personality, Navya described Jaya Bachchan as bold, fearless, and unapologetically honest. "She doesn’t filter her thoughts or worry about what others might say. That honesty is rare and refreshing, especially in today’s political world," she said.
Navya also mentioned that she follows her grandmother’s parliamentary sessions closely. "When I stay with her in Delhi, she tells me about her day in Parliament, what she spoke about, or what she plans to raise next. Most of her speeches are about women’s safety and empowerment," she added.
For Navya, her grandmother’s commitment to women’s issues has been a guiding light. Inspired by Jaya Bachchan’s advocacy, she launched Project Naveli, a non-profit promoting gender equality, and Aara Health, a women’s health venture. “Watching her stand firm for what she believes in has shaped my understanding of using one’s platform for change,” Navya said.
To her granddaughter, Jaya Bachchan’s journey isn’t just about acting or politics, it’s about purpose. Whether on-screen or in Parliament, she continues to embody courage, conviction, and compassion, values that clearly run deep in the Bachchan family.
Jaya Bachchan's filmography
Born on April 9, 1948, Jaya Bachchan is among Hindi cinema’s most celebrated actresses and a respected political figure. She has been a member of the Rajya Sabha from the Samajwadi Party since 2004, representing the party for over two decades. Her film journey began as a teenager with Satyajit Ray’s Mahanagar (1963), followed by her breakthrough role in Guddi (1971), which made her a household name. Over the years, her natural acting style and emotional depth redefined the portrayal of women in Hindi films.Jaya Bachchan went on to deliver remarkable performances in Koshish, Uphaar, Kora Kagaz, and Mili. Alongside her husband, Amitabh Bachchan, she starred in several classics like Zanjeer, Abhimaan, and Sholay, making them one of the most iconic on-screen couples in Indian cinema. With ten prestigious Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement honour, and a Padma Shri from the Government of India.
Jaya Bachchan wanted to join Army
However, Navya recently revealed that despite her grandmother’s phenomenal success in films, Jaya Bachchan’s heart always leaned toward serving the nation. "She once told me that her childhood dream was to join the Indian Army. She’s always been deeply patriotic and wanted to contribute to the country in some meaningful way," Navya said, explaining that her grandmother’s political career is a natural extension of that spirit.Navya further added that Jaya Bachchan views her role in politics as her way of giving back. “She often says she’s received so much love and respect from the country, and now it’s her turn to serve,” Navya shared, describing her grandmother’s deep sense of duty.
Talking about her personality, Navya described Jaya Bachchan as bold, fearless, and unapologetically honest. "She doesn’t filter her thoughts or worry about what others might say. That honesty is rare and refreshing, especially in today’s political world," she said.
Navya also mentioned that she follows her grandmother’s parliamentary sessions closely. "When I stay with her in Delhi, she tells me about her day in Parliament, what she spoke about, or what she plans to raise next. Most of her speeches are about women’s safety and empowerment," she added.
For Navya, her grandmother’s commitment to women’s issues has been a guiding light. Inspired by Jaya Bachchan’s advocacy, she launched Project Naveli, a non-profit promoting gender equality, and Aara Health, a women’s health venture. “Watching her stand firm for what she believes in has shaped my understanding of using one’s platform for change,” Navya said.
To her granddaughter, Jaya Bachchan’s journey isn’t just about acting or politics, it’s about purpose. Whether on-screen or in Parliament, she continues to embody courage, conviction, and compassion, values that clearly run deep in the Bachchan family.
