Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, one of Bollywood’s most enduring couples, have been married for nearly five decades. Their relationship has long been admired by fans, but it’s also been the subject of much curiosity. During a candid conversation on Simi Garewal’s show Rendezvous with Simi Garewal in 1998, the couple shared some surprising insights into their dynamic, particularly when it comes to romance.

When Simi asked Amitabh if he considered himself a romantic, he quickly replied, “No.” Jaya, sitting beside him, couldn’t resist adding with a laugh, “Not with me.” Her playful remark caught Amitabh off guard, leading him to give her a puzzled look. “I’ve started trouble,” Jaya chuckled, making light of the moment.

Simi then delved deeper, asking Amitabh what he thought being romantic meant. Jaya explained that it involved gestures like bringing wine and flowers for a partner. Amitabh, however, was quick to dismiss the idea, admitting, “I’ve never done that.” Jaya speculated that perhaps Amitabh would have been more romantic if he had a girlfriend, but doubted it. “Maybe if he had a girlfriend he’d do it, but I don’t think,” she added.

Curious about their early days, Simi asked Jaya if Amitabh had ever been romantic when they were dating. Jaya’s response was unexpected: “We never spoke.” Noticing Simi’s shocked reaction, Jaya elaborated, “We hardly spoke.” Amitabh, in his typically straightforward manner, remarked, “It’s such a waste of time.”

The interview also touched on Jaya’s first impression of Amitabh. She recalled feeling a sense of “danger” when they first met, explaining that she was frightened because Amitabh was the only person who could influence her in ways others couldn’t. “Even if he said something mildly, I’d do it. I’d want to please him,” Jaya confessed, noting that this desire to please someone didn’t come naturally to her.

Despite their differences, Amitabh and Jaya’s relationship remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic love stories.