We all know Jaya Bachchan as this angry person in the media. But she is much more than that media image, an actor par excellence who has an excellent track record of giving some remarkable performances.  Did you know that she graduated with a gold medal from FTII and started her film journey at 15 with Satyajit Ray? With her prominent associations with notable filmmakers like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, she was a star bigger than her husband, Amitabh Bachchan.

Her vibrant range of performances, which today stands at Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, Jaya Bachchan has always made sure to leave an indelible mark with her electrifying performances. Here’s looking at some of her iconic performances.

1. Guddi (1971)

Jaya Bachchan’s debut film, Guddi, set the stage for her promising career. In the role of a starry-eyed young girl infatuated with a film actor, her innocence and relatability resonated with audiences, making her an instant favorite. Her natural charm and expressive acting marked the beginning of a journey that would shape Bollywood’s landscape. The film paved for more associations with legendary director Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who also directed Guddi.

2. Uphaar (1971)

Uphaar saw Jaya Bachchan step into a more mature role as a grieving widow. Her portrayal was a study in subtlety and emotional depth. She captured the nuances of her character’s sorrow and resilience, evoking empathy and leaving a lasting impression.

3. Koshish (1972)

Koshish is a notable entry in Jaya Bachchan’s filmography. In this film, she and Sanjeev Kumar portray a deaf and mute couple navigating the challenges of their unique situation. Jaya Bachchan’s silent yet expressive performance added a layer of depth to her character, making the film a poignant exploration of love, communication, and the human spirit. Jaya Bachchan’s portrayal in Koshish earned her immense critical acclaim and a Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

4. Anamika (1973)

Adding to her versatile performances was Anamika, where Jaya Bachchan essayed the role of a mysterious woman caught in a web of suspense. Her ability to embody intrigue and vulnerability simultaneously made her character compelling and the film captivating.

5. Abhimaan (1973)

Her performance in Abhimaan was included in Filmfare’s “80 Iconic Performances” list. The film presented Jaya Bachchan in a complex role alongside her real-life husband, Amitabh Bachchan. Her portrayal of a singer dealing with the dynamics of success and ego within marriage was poignant and relatable. Her emotional depth and chemistry with Amitabh elevated the film to iconic status.

6. Mili (1975)

Mili marked yet another association of Jaya with director Hrishikesh Mukherjee. As the terminally ill Mili, Jaya Bachchan brought empathy and positivity to the screen. Her portrayal highlighted her ability to capture the essence of resilience in the face of adversity, leaving audiences moved by her emotional journey. The only award nomination the film ever got was for Filmfare “Best Actress” for Jaya Bachchan.

7. Chupke Chupke (1975)

In this laugh-out-loud comedy, Jaya Bachchan’s comedic timing and natural flair for humor shone through. As a wife caught up in playful deceptions, she effortlessly added charm and wit to the film’s ensemble cast that included Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, and Amitabh Bachchan, making her role an essential part of its comedic success. Chupke Chupke is regarded as an iconic comedy film in Bollywood.

8. Sholay (1975)

Amidst the iconic characters of Sholay, Jaya Bachchan’s Radha added a layer of emotional depth. Jaya Bachchan was pregnant with her daughter Swetha Nanda while she was filming Sholay. Her portrayal as a woman trapped between her past and present love was a testament to her ability to make her mark even in a male-dominated narrative, adding heart to the action-packed drama. After the birth of her daughter, she stepped away from films to take care of her family.

9. Silsila (1981)

Taking a break from her sabbatical, Jaya Bachchan returned to the screens with Yash Chopra’s Silsila. The film showcased Jaya Bachchan’s maturity as an actress. She effortlessly portrayed the complexities of a woman torn between loyalty and desire. Her ability to convey a range of emotions, from vulnerability to strength, added authenticity to the film’s exploration of relationships. Another reason why the film is so popular is because of the real-life love triangle in the film! Rumors about Rekha and Amitabh’s romantic relationships catch the headlines even today.

10. Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa (1998)

Jaya Bachchan’s poignant portrayal in “Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa” left an indelible mark. Her portrayal of a grieving mother searching for answers was a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Her ability to convey the depths of maternal pain and resilience touched hearts across audiences.

Jaya Bhaduri (before she was Jaya Bachchan) has only done meaningful roles which has been able to cast an enchanting spell on the silver screens. A beautiful Bengali beauty with nothing less than gems in her filmography, Jaya Bhaduri is an actress who conquered the screens and the hearts of the audience with her magnificent performances. Her cinematic legacy shines brighter than the paparazzi spotlight.