Jaya Bhaduri: Kolkata-born Jaya Bhaduri (April 9, 1948) is the daughter of famous Bengali writer, Tarun Bhaduri. Her filmography consists of classic Bollywood films, which she’s won numerous Filmfare awards for outstanding performances. After appearing as a child actor in Satyajit Ray’s Mahanagar (1963), she made her first screen role as an adult in Guddi (1971) directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, and performed in films, including Jawani Diwani (1972), Koshish, Anamika, Piya Ka Ghar and Bawarchi. She appeared alongside her husband Amitabh Bachchan in films such as Zanjeer (1973), Abhimaan (1973), Chupke Chupke(1975), Mili (1975) and Sholay (1975). She restricted her film work in the coming years and after Silsila in 1981, took a sabbatical for films, only to return with Govind Nihlani’s Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa (1998). She married mega star Amitabh Bachchan on June 3, 1973 and often shared the screen with him. Jaya’s career is based on her natural acting ability, not on dancing, which quite an achievement is considering the industry is filled with dance queens. In 2000, she starred in Fiza for which she received the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award for her work. She also starred in Karan Johar’s family drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) with her husband. She then starred in Karan Johar’s next film, Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003). In 2007 Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, she appeared with son Abhishek Bachchan.
Why she’s sexy: Jaya is sexy because she represents a non-glamorous version of Bollywood. She emotes quiet strength and sophistication, giving her a strong screen presence. One of her most memorable screen moments is in the cult classic Sholay (1975), as Radha. She and Jai (Amitabh) share amazing on screen chemistry while she watches him play the harmonica as she turns out lamps. This scene is filled with intensity, which is what she is most known for.
Her impact on Bollywood: Jaya’s career as a lead actress continues long after her marriage to Amitabh Bachchan. She’s been recognized countless times for her work and has produced several television shows.
Interesting fact: Here’s a quote from Jaya when asked about acting alongside her husband: “I will not play second fiddle to him. I never have. Not in reel life and never in real life.” Jaya is second fiddle to no one, which is why she continues her amazing acting career. Jaya was elected as a Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament, representing Rajya Sabha, and in February 2010 she stated her intent to complete her term.
