When Amitabh Bachchan addressed divorce rumors with Jaya Bachchan during controversy with Rekha: ‘I don’t support…’

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the names Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha were intertwined in public imagination, blending reel connections with real-life rumours. Amid intense speculation around his marriage, Amitabh once made a revealing statement about divorce, one that hinted at his inner convictions without laying all the cards on the table.

What did Amitabh Bachchan say?

According to biographer Yasser Usman’s Rekha: The Untold Story, Jaya responded to gossip with quiet dignity: “He has made a commitment to me, if he is doing something behind my back, that is his problem. Not mine.” Meanwhile, Amitabh articulated his position on marriage during those turbulent times by saying, “A divorce will never happen in our case. I don’t support divorce because my basic instincts are India(BHARAT)n. I made an absolutely first‑class choice when I took Jaya as my wife.” He acknowledged imperfections without fueling scandal, a firm affirmation of commitment rooted in cultural and personal faith.

The actor’s commitment to his marriage is evident in the way he has navigated the challenges of his career and personal life. Despite being a public figure, Amitabh Bachchan has maintained a level of privacy regarding his personal life, which has helped him to keep his relationships strong. According to Yasser Usman’s book, Rekha had said that she considers Amitabh and Jaya’s relationship as an ideal one.

More about Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan

The public’s fascination with Amitabh and Rekha’s on-screen chemistry fueled persistent rumors of a romantic involvement between them. Their collaborative film Silsila (1981), in which Rekha and Jaya both starred, is often cited as art imitating life due to the mirrored triangle narrative. Despite the speculation, none of the trio ever fully confirmed those rumors. Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan’s relationship began in the early 1970s. The two reportedly met during film work and married on June 3, 1973, after a swift decision following the success of Zanjeer.

Story Highlights

1. Amitabh Bachchan once said, “A divorce will never happen in our case,” emphasizing his cultural beliefs and commitment to Jaya Bachchan.
2. The remark came during a time of heavy speculation around his alleged closeness to Rekha in the late 1970s and early ’80s.
3. Jaya Bachchan maintained dignity throughout, stating that if anything happened behind her back, it was Amitabh’s problem, not hers.
4. Despite intense public curiosity, neither Amitabh nor Rekha ever confirmed the rumours surrounding their relationship.

Amitabh Bachchan’s stance on marriage during the height of the Rekha controversy remains a strong reflection of his personal values. His declaration against divorce and praise for Jaya Bachchan revealed a deeper layer of loyalty and cultural grounding.