Jaya Bachchan Says Paparazzi Tussle Won’t Hurt Agastya Nanda’s Career, Cites Amitabh Bachchan’s 15-Year Ban

Veteran actor and politician Jaya Bachchan has addressed the ongoing chatter around her tense relationship with paparazzi, asserting that any friction with photographers will not affect her grandson Agastya Nanda’s career. The actor spoke candidly about public perception, media scrutiny, and the resilience required to survive in the film industry, drawing parallels with the challenges faced by her husband Amitabh Bachchan during his early years.

Jaya, who has often made headlines for her visible discomfort with intrusive paparazzi culture, responded to suggestions that her confrontational moments with photographers could create negative publicity for Agastya, who is gradually carving a space for himself in Bollywood. Dismissing such concerns, she argued that the industry ultimately rewards talent and hard work rather than social media narratives or temporary controversies.

Referring to Amitabh Bachchan’s long career, Jaya highlighted a significant phase when the megastar reportedly faced professional setbacks, including periods of strained relations with sections of the media. She pointed out that despite such hurdles, his stature as an actor remained intact, emphasizing that true success is defined by dedication and craft rather than external noise. According to her, if controversies had the power to derail careers, many legendary actors would not have sustained decades-long success.

The discussion also brought attention to Agastya’s emerging career trajectory. The young actor, who has been steadily building his portfolio, has found himself under intense public scrutiny due to his lineage and association with one of Bollywood’s most influential families. Jaya acknowledged that being part of a celebrated film dynasty comes with heightened expectations but insisted that he must be judged on his own merit.

She further spoke about the nature of media attention in today’s digital era, suggesting that the relationship between celebrities and paparazzi has changed drastically compared to earlier decades. While photographers play an important role in documenting public life and promoting visibility, she stressed the need for boundaries, especially when coverage becomes invasive or insensitive.

The veteran actor’s remarks come amid a broader debate within the industry about celebrity privacy and the growing aggressiveness of paparazzi culture. Several actors in recent years have voiced concerns about constant surveillance, including photographers waiting outside homes, hospitals, or private gatherings. Jaya has been particularly vocal about maintaining personal space, often requesting photographers to refrain from excessive shouting or crowding.

At the same time, she clarified that her stance is not rooted in hostility but in a desire for mutual respect. She explained that her objections are directed toward behaviour rather than individuals, urging a more balanced and dignified interaction between celebrities and media professionals.

The conversation also highlighted generational differences in navigating fame. While older actors entered the industry during a time when media exposure was more controlled, younger performers like Agastya are growing up in an environment dominated by social media virality and instant judgment. Jaya suggested that this shift makes it essential for new actors to develop emotional resilience and stay focused on their work.