Jaya Bachchan Reveals Secrets to Keeping Amitabh Bachchan Faithful Amid Rekha Affair Rumors |

One of Bollywood’s most iconic couples, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan have often been in the spotlight for both their illustrious careers and their enduring marriage. While their bond has inspired generations, it hasn’t been without its share of challenges, particularly during the late ’70s when rumors of Amitabh’s alleged affair with Rekha stirred the industry.
In an interview with People magazine in 2008, Jaya candidly discussed how she navigated those turbulent times. She revealed her secret to maintaining a strong marriage, even in the face of relentless speculation. “I believed in letting him be,” she said. “You need conviction in your relationship. I married a man with strong values and a family that prioritizes commitment. Possessiveness can ruin relationships, especially in a profession as unpredictable as ours. Either you let the artist grow, or you drive them away. And if they leave, then they were never truly yours.”
The whispers of a romance between Amitabh and Rekha began in the late 70s, fueled by their electric on-screen chemistry in films like ‘Silsila.’ While neither party ever confirmed the rumors, their pairing became the subject of widespread gossip. Reflecting on how she dealt with such stories, Jaya admitted, “As a human, you react to both negativity and positivity. Gestures, actions, and moments of reassurance help you move forward. At vulnerable times, people can be swayed in any direction, and you feel what you feel is sadness, happiness that is all part of life.”
When directly questioned about the rumors of an affair, Jaya offered a grounded response “If there was any truth to it, wouldn’t he be elsewhere? People loved seeing them together on screen, and that’s fine. But the media linked him with almost every actress he worked with. If I took it all to heart, my life would’ve been unbearable. You have to be made of stronger stuff to survive that.”
Amitabh and Jaya tied the knot on June 3, 1973, and have two children Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan.
Despite the storm of rumors, Jaya’s steadfast belief in their relationship and her pragmatic approach has helped the couple remain one of Bollywood’s most enduring power pairs.