Jaya Bachchan compares herself to grandson Agastya Nanda, says 'That child is determined to forge his own path...'

Jaya Bachchan talks about Agastya Nanda's Ikkis

Carrying forward the Bachchan family’s legacy, Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, is preparing for his next big-screen release — Ikkis, directed by the acclaimed and National Award-winning Sriram Raghavan.

The young actor, who made his debut in The Archies, is stepping into a much more intense and emotionally demanding role this time, and the excitement surrounding the film’s trailer has already set social media abuzz.

A day after the trailer’s release, a proud yet candid Jaya Bachchan opened up about her grandson’s performance and his journey into cinema.

Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, she said, “Luckily Agastya is a fast learner. Neither of his parents are actors, so he’s leaning on his grandparents and his Maamu (Uncle) for guidance. You know me, I wouldn’t praise anyone, least of all my own children or grandchildren. But Agastya is special. That child is determined to forge his own path. Just like I once did. Like me, he won’t follow the herd.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by Amitabh Bachchan, who wrote a heartfelt post on his blog remembering Agastya's early years and the delight of seeing him on the big screen now.

“Agastya! I held you in my hands as soon as you were born .. few months later, I held you again in my hands and your soft fingers reached out to play with my beard ..TODAY you play in Theatres all over the World ,” he wrote.

Also Read: Ikkis trailer: Agastya Nanda brings the untold story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal to life - watch

Inspired by the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, Ikkis tells the story of extraordinary courage during the 1971 Battle of Basantar, where the 21-year-old soldier destroyed ten enemy tanks before making the ultimate sacrifice.

Backed by Maddock Films and Dinesh Vijan, the film also stars Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, Deepak Dobriyal, and Simar Bhatia.

Slated for release in December 2025, Ikkis promises to be an emotional, stirring tribute to a real-life hero — and a defining moment in Agastya Nanda’s young but promising acting journey.