Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan marked 51 years of marriage with Jaya revealing Amitabh’s condition that she choose selective projects post-marriage. Amitabh praised Jaya’s decision to prioritize family. Their strong bond, based on friendship and respect, has been inspirational.

One of the most respected couples in Bollywood, Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan completed 51 years of togetherness this year. Contrary to the grand Bollywood weddings today, Amitabh Bachchan Jaya Bhaduri (her maiden name) married on June 3, 1973, in a very low-key ceremony which was attended by just a handful of close friends and family. And now in a recent chat, Jaya Bachchan revealed the one condition Amitabh Bachchan had put down before their marriage.

Talking to her grand-daughter Navya Naveli Nanda for the latter’s podcast titled ‘What The Hell Navya’, Jaya shared that Amitabh Bachchan didn’t want her to be too busy with work post marriage.

“We had decided we will marry in October because by then my work would have been reduced. But he (Amitabh) had told me, ‘I definitely don’t want a wife who will be 9 to 5. Please work, but not every day. You choose your projects and work with the right people’,’ Jaya revealed.

However, Jaya ji took this remark in her stride. Post their marriage, while Amitabh Bachchan continued to work in films and became one of top actors in Bollywood, Jaya Bachchan took the responsibility of taking care of their kids– Shweta and Abhishek. This shows how the power-couple deeply understood and balanced each other well. And their 51st wedding anniversary this year is a proof of this.

In fact, in 2014, Amitabh Bachchan had even praised his wife for this quality at an event. “One thing I find very admirable about Jaya is that she chose to give preference to home and not films. There was no obstacle from me ever, it was her decision,” Big B had told India Today.

Meanwhile, in another podcast with Navya, Jaya ji had revealed that her husband is her best-friend. Friendship is the basis of their strong marriage, which has helped them navigate the ups and downs of life together. “It’s true, my husband is my best friend. I don’t hide anything from him,” Jaya Bachchan had shared.

Jaya ji had also candidly spoken about the importance of respect in a relationship, in yet another episode with Navya. She shared that bad manners or disrespect towards one’s partner are red-flags for her. Giving an example, she further said that she never called her husband ‘tu’ or ‘tum’ as it is disrespectful; she also cited her dislike for it.

Over the years, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya might have gone through many ups and downs in life– however they chose to navigate life’s problems together. Their companionship is an inspiration to many, and people can surely take a tip or two from their strong marriage.