Jaya Bachchan said that she does not like it when people address each other with ‘tu’ and ‘tum’. She added that respecting your partner is essential for a healthy relationship.

Jaya Bachchan shared that she has never addressed Amitabh Bachchan with ‘tum’. (Photo: Express Archives)

Jaya Bachchan appeared on the latest episode of her granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda’s podcast What the Hell Navya, and shared her thoughts on dating and relationships. Jaya married actor Amitabh Bachchan when she was 25 and the couple has now been married for over 50 years. Navya was curious to know what Jaya classifies as ‘red flags’ in relationships, and the veteran actor immediately said, “Bad manners would be a big red flag.”

The actor explained, “One thing that I really dislike is when people say ‘tu’ aur ‘tum’, no matter with whom. Have you ever heard me talking to your grandfather using ‘tum?’ I think these things require conscious efforts, which your generation doesn’t do. Until you respect someone, there will be no love. Boundaries are very important.”

Jaya and Amitabh fell in love when he was still trying to make a name for himself, but Jaya had already established herself as one of the finest actors of the era. Soon after they appeared together in Amitabh’s first big hit Zanjeer, they tied the knot. When Navya asked Jaya what love means to her, she shared, “Compatibility, understanding, adjustment.” But she added a note for the Gen-Z crowd: “You guys have relationships, not love.”

She also remembered an advice that her mother-in-law, Teji Bachchan, had shared with her. “I remember, my mother-in-law always used to say, ‘The less you expect from people, you will face lesser disappointment in life’. I try to follow that. Happiness should come from a situation, from a feeling, and not by expecting it (from someone else).”

When asked about red flags, she immediately responded, “Bad manners would be a big red flag.”

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