Aishwarya Rai and Jaya Bachchan once shared a bond that was admired by many. Known for their mutual respect and affection, the two were often compared to a mother-daughter duo rather than just a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law. However, recent times seem to have brought a noticeable change in their relationship. While there was a time when Jaya Bachchan openly praised Aishwarya, today, they are rarely seen together, raising many questions. Let’s revisit some key moments that highlighted their once-strong bond and explore why things seem different now.
1. Jaya Bachchan’s Early Admiration for Aishwarya
Before Aishwarya became a Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan was full of admiration for her. In a famous episode of Koffee with Karan, Jaya spoke highly of Aishwarya. When asked how Aishwarya would fit into the Bachchan family, Jaya warmly responded, “She’s sweet, very grounded, and fits perfectly into our family.” She was particularly impressed with how Aishwarya never pushed herself into the limelight, despite being a global icon. Jaya praised her for understanding the family dynamics and respecting everyone’s space. These words indicated a strong bond even before the official relationship was established.
2. Sharing Wardrobe: The Saree Moment
A memorable moment that stood out to fans was when Aishwarya attended the Durga Puja celebrations in 2011, wearing a pink saree. Upon closer inspection, fans realized that Jaya Bachchan had worn the same saree a year before. In 2014, Jaya was seen wearing the same saree once again. This gesture of sharing the saree between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law became a symbol of their close relationship. It showed that there was not just affection but a deep sense of comfort and familiarity between the two.
3. Jaya Bachchan Defending Aishwarya Against Paparazzi
One of the most famous incidents that showcased Jaya Bachchan’s protective nature toward Aishwarya happened at Subhash Ghai’s party. As photographers urged Aishwarya to pose for pictures, Jaya stepped in and scolded the paparazzi for being disrespectful. “What is Aishwarya to you? Is she your school friend?” Jaya snapped at the photographers, clearly upset with how they were treating her daughter-in-law. This protective act was seen as a sign of how much Jaya cared for Aishwarya and valued her dignity, much like a mother would protect her child.
4. Jaya Praises Aishwarya’s Parenting
Aishwarya has always been lauded for how she balances her personal and professional life, especially after the birth of her daughter Aaradhya. Despite being one of the top actresses in Bollywood, she has remained a hands-on mother. Jaya Bachchan once praised Aishwarya for this, sharing how dedicated she was to Aaradhya’s upbringing. In an interview, Jaya revealed that she often teased Aishwarya by calling her “Aaradhya’s personal Miss World nurse,” admiring how she never left her daughter in someone else’s care. Jaya’s comments showed how much she respected Aishwarya’s role as a mother and how proud she was of her.
5. A Tender Moment at an Award Show
In 2016, during an award function, Aishwarya was seen sharing a tender moment with Jaya Bachchan. Aishwarya had just received an award for her role in Sarbjit, and she was seen sitting next to Jaya, resting her head on her mother-in-law’s shoulder. The two held hands, and it was a beautiful sight that showed how close they were. This heartwarming moment was captured on camera, and fans were quick to label them as the perfect “mother-daughter duo.”
Why Has the Relationship Changed Now?
Despite these many moments of affection, the relationship between Aishwarya Rai and Jaya Bachchan seems to have changed in recent years. While they were once seen together frequently, these appearances have become rare. During public events, Aishwarya is often spotted alone with her daughter Aaradhya, without the rest of the Bachchan family.
One of the biggest indicators of this shift came during Navya Naveli Nanda’s podcast. While Jaya and Shweta Bachchan made several appearances, there was no mention of Aishwarya, which raised many eyebrows. It’s unusual given that Aishwarya is not just a prominent figure in the family but also someone who has shared a strong bond with Jaya in the past.
There have also been persistent rumors about troubles in Aishwarya and Abhishek’s marriage, especially after she was seen without her wedding ring during a recent event. While neither Aishwarya nor Abhishek has commented on these rumors, the absence of public family gatherings fuels speculations. It’s unclear what might have caused the distance, but the change is noticeable, and fans are left wondering what has happened between Jaya and Aishwarya.
A Shift in Public Appearances
Another significant moment that caught attention was when the Bachchan family attended a major function at the Ambani residence. While Jaya, Amitabh, Abhishek, and Shweta Bachchan were seen together, Aishwarya attended the event alone with Aaradhya. This absence from key family events adds more weight to the rumors of a rift within the family. Aishwarya’s solo appearances and her silence on any family matters leave fans curious about the true state of her relationship with her in-laws.
Though no official statement has been made, the change in dynamic is evident. Whether this is a temporary phase or something deeper, only time will tell. Fans who once celebrated the close-knit bond between Aishwarya and Jaya can only hope that the warmth returns to their relationship. For now, the days of public praise and affection seem to have taken a backseat, leaving many to speculate on what may have gone wrong.