In a heated moment in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, actor-politician Jaya Bachchan firmly objected to Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh addressing her as “Shrimati Jaya Amitabh Bachchan.” She reminded the assembly that her identity stands independently of her husband’s name.
As Harivansh called her to speak, Jaya responded sharply, “Sir, sirf Jaya Bachchan bolte to kaafi hojata” (It would’ve been enough to call me Jaya Bachchan). When it was pointed out that her name is officially registered as such, she launched into a critique of the practice.
“Ye jo hain kuch naya tarika hain ki mahilaayen apne pati ke naam se jaani jaye. Unka koi astitva nahi. Unki koi upalabdh hi nahi hain, apne mein aur astitva nahi hain. Ye jo naya shuru hua hain, I just…” (Some new method has 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…)
Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan raised strong objection in Rajya Sabha when she was called 'Jaya Amitabh Bachchan'. pic.twitter.com/WtwF5mcd5D— Priti Gandhi (@MrsGandhi) July 29, 2024
The incident quickly drew reactions online, with many applauding her stance. One fan praised her courage, while another questioned why Amitabh’s name was included without her consent. “She’s not wrong in any sense,” commented another supporter, emphasizing that Jaya was a successful actress before marrying Amitabh Bachchan.
The episode also revived discussions about women’s identities in public and professional spheres. Navya Naveli Nanda, Jaya’s granddaughter, previously described Jaya as her 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.”
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