Jaya Bachchan discusses decision to leave films to raise children

Jaya Bachchan has discussed her decision to step away from films in order to focus on raising her children, Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan.

During an interview with Times Now, the 76-year-old actress expressed that her decision to pause her acting career was voluntary.

Jaya conveyed her discomfort with being portrayed as someone who was coerced into a decision, highlighting that when she decided to step back from films, many viewed it as a surprising move and labeled her as "Mother India." 

However, she clarified that her choice was entirely her own, emphasizing that it wasn't an act of martyrdom.

The Sholay actress said, “I’m not that kind of a person. No one can make me do what I don’t want to.”

For the unversed, after her 1981 film Silsila, Jaya Bachchan took a hiatus from acting. She made a comeback to the screen after a 17-year hiatus with the 1998 film Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa.

Since then, she has appeared in numerous films including Fiza, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Ki & Ka, and more recently Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.