When Jaya Bachchan revealed she is strict as a mother but not a strict mother-in-law: ‘Aishwarya Rai is not my daughter…’

Jaya Bachchan opened up about being a strict mother to her children, Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan, while stressing that she wasn’t strict with her daughter-in-law and actor Aishwarya Rai.

Jaya Bachchan says she is not a strict mother-in-law. (Photos: Instagram/bachchans/aishwaryaraifans)

The speculations around trouble in Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s marriage refuse to die down. While rumours of their separation are rife, an old clip featuring actor-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan has ignited fresh discussions about her relationship with daughter-in-law Aishwarya. In the candid conversation with fashion designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, Jaya addressed the nuances between daughter and a daughter-in-law.

“There is a difference between a daughter and a daughter-in-law, you know. I mean, I don’t know why, but you don’t feel you don’t need to respect your parents. As a daughter, you take your parents for granted. With your in-laws, you can’t do that,” Jaya explained in the interview originally aired on NDTV Good Times. She went on to share how her perspective evolved, over time emphasising, “And later on, things change – because today, I feel more a Bachchan than a Bhaduri.”

The veteran actor also touched upon her parenting style, admitting to being a strict parent to son and actor Abhishek Bachchan and daughter and author Shweta Bachchan. However, when asked about her relationship with Aishwarya, Jaya clarified, “Strict? She’s not my daughter! She’s my daughter-in-law. Why should I be strict with her? I’m sure her mother has done that for her.”

The resurfaced clip has garnered significant attention on social media, with users sharing mixed reactions. While some expressed surprise at Jaya’s candidness, others found her perspective relatable.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Jaya Bachchan has publicly praised Aishwarya Rai. In previous interviews, she has often spoken highly of her daughter-in-law, highlighting her strong and caring nature. Jaya, during an earlier appearance as a guest on Koffee with Karan, spoke about the former Miss World’s relationship with the Bachchan family. Jaya told Karan that when her daughter Shweta Bachchan got married, there was a void in Amitabh Bachchan’s life which was then filled when Aishwarya came to their house. She said that whenever Amitabh sees Aishwarya, he becomes happy. “Amitji, the minute he sees her, it’s like he’s looking at Shweta coming home. His eyes light up. She’ll fill the vacuum that Shweta left. We have never been able to adjust that Shweta is not in the family, she is out and she is not a Bachchan. It’s tough,” said Jaya.

She even added that the megastar never saw Aishwarya as a daughter-in-law, but always considered her as his daughter. “She (Aishwarya) is lovely. I love her. I have always loved her. I have never ever seen her push herself whenever we are all together. I like that quality of hers to stand behind. She is quiet. She listens and she is taking it all in. And another beautiful thing is that she has fitted in so well in the family. She knows who are our good friends,” she shared.