Jaya Bachchan on Aishwarya Rai: 'She stands behind, she listens'
Synopsis
Jaya Bachchan's praise for Aishwarya Rai on Koffee With Karan was telling — not about glamour, but about restraint. 'She stands behind, she is quiet, she listens,' said the veteran actress of a woman who is herself a global superstar. It is a rare, candid glimpse into what the Bachchan family values most.
Key Takeaways
Jaya Bachchan praised Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on Koffee With Karan , calling her 'lovely' and admiring her humility.
Jaya noted that despite being a major star, Aishwarya 'stands behind, is quiet, and listens' when with family.
Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan married on 20 April 2007 after first meeting in 1999 on the sets of Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke .
The couple have collaborated on six films together, including Dhoom 2 , Guru , and Raavan .
Their daughter Aaradhya was born on 16 November 2011 .
Abhishek Bachchan is set to appear in King , directed by Siddharth Anand and headlined by Shah Rukh Khan .
Veteran actress and politician Jaya Bachchan once opened up about what makes Aishwarya Rai Bachchan the ideal fit for the Bachchan family, sharing her admiration during a candid appearance on filmmaker Karan Johar's popular chat show Koffee With Karan. Her remarks offered a rare, personal window into how one of Bollywood's most celebrated families views its most famous daughter-in-law.
What Jaya Bachchan Said
Asked which qualities of Aishwarya she admires most, Jaya was warm and unequivocal. 'She is lovely. I love her,' she said. She went on to praise Aishwarya's ability to set aside her star status entirely when in the company of family.
'She is such a big star herself, but when we are all together, I have never ever seen her push herself, and I like that quality. I like it that she stands behind, she is quiet, she listens,' Jaya said.
She added another dimension to her appreciation: 'Another beautiful thing is she has fitted so well. Not just into the family, but she knows this is family, these are good friends.'
From Co-Stars to Family
Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan first crossed paths in 1999 during a photo shoot for their debut project together, Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke, according to reports. What began as a professional association gradually deepened into a personal bond. The couple married on 20 April 2007 in a lavish traditional ceremony attended by family and close friends.
Over the years, the two have collaborated on a string of films — Kuch Naa Kaho, Dhoom 2, Guru, Sarkar Raj, Umrao Jaan, and Raavan — making them one of Hindi cinema's most prolific on-screen pairings as well.
The Bachchan Family Grows
On 16 November 2011, Aishwarya and Abhishek welcomed their daughter Aaradhya, marking a new chapter for the family. Aaradhya has since grown up largely in the public eye, accompanying her parents to international events and film premieres.
Abhishek's Next Big Project
On the professional front, Abhishek Bachchan has been signed for Shah Rukh Khan's highly anticipated film King, directed by Siddharth Anand — the filmmaker behind Pathaan. The project also features Anil Kapoor, Suhana Khan, and Abhay Verma in key roles. The film is among the most awaited releases in Bollywood's near-term pipeline.
Point of View
However warm, reveal something more layered than a mother-in-law's approval — they define the terms of acceptance in one of Bollywood's most scrutinised families. The qualities praised — quietness, restraint, stepping back — are notable precisely because Aishwarya Rai is a former Miss World and a global icon in her own right. The framing invites reflection on what 'fitting in' asks of women, even extraordinarily accomplished ones, within the structures of a prominent family. That the remark was made on a mainstream chat show without pushback says as much about the moment as it does about the Bachchans.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jaya Bachchan say about Aishwarya Rai on Koffee With Karan?
Jaya Bachchan said she admires Aishwarya Rai for her humility and restraint, noting that despite being a major star, Aishwarya never tries to dominate family gatherings. 'She stands behind, she is quiet, she listens,' Jaya said on the show.
When did Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan get married?
Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan married on 20 April 2007 in a traditional ceremony attended by family and close friends. They had first met in 1999 during a photo shoot for the film Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke.
How many films have Aishwarya and Abhishek worked on together?
The couple have collaborated on six films: Kuch Naa Kaho, Dhoom 2, Guru, Sarkar Raj, Umrao Jaan, and Raavan. Their on-screen chemistry made them one of Bollywood's most noted pairings.
Who is Aaradhya Bachchan?
Aaradhya is the daughter of Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, born on 16 November 2011. She is the couple's only child and has grown up in the public eye.
What is Abhishek Bachchan's upcoming film?
Abhishek Bachchan has been cast in King, a highly anticipated film headlined by Shah Rukh Khan and directed by Siddharth Anand, who also made Pathaan. The film also stars Anil Kapoor, Suhana Khan, and Abhay Verma.
