When Jaya Bachchan said she has no problem if granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda has a child without marriage: 'Physical attraction is very important'

Actress Jaya Bachchan once shared her thoughts on relationships and modern-day romance during a conversation with her granddaughter, Navya Naveli Nanda, on the podcast What The Hell Navya. She emphasised the significance of physical attraction in maintaining a long-term relationship and added that love alone is not enough.

Discussing generational differences, Jaya acknowledged that during her time, people could not experiment as freely as today’s youth. She believes physical compatibility plays a crucial role in sustaining a relationship. "People will find it objectionable coming from me, but physical attraction and compatibility are also very important. In our times, we couldn't experiment, but today’s generation does, and why shouldn't they? Because that also is responsible for a long-lasting relationship. If there isn't a physical relationship, it's not going to last very long. You can't sustain it on love, fresh air, and adjustment alone, I feel. It's very, very important," Jaya said.



Jaya acknowledged that younger generations, including her daughter Shweta’s, have a different approach but may still experience guilt. She emphasised that such experiences should not be seen as wrong and encouraged honesty in relationships. Jaya believes that if a relationship does not work out despite physical intimacy, people should handle it maturely and amicably.

Jaya also spoke about her perspective on marriage and parenting. She believes that emotional connections in relationships have changed and suggested that people should consider marrying their best friend. "I'm looking at it very clinically. Since there's a lack of that emotion, the romance today... I think you should marry your best friend. You should have a good friend, you should discuss and say, ‘Maybe I'd like to have a child with you because I like you, I think you're nice, so let's get married because that's what society is saying.’ I have no problem if you have a child without marriage also, I really don't have a problem," she expressed.

Jaya was joined by her daughter, Shweta Bachchan, in the episode. Jaya, who has been married to legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan since 1973, has two children—Shweta and Abhishek Bachchan.