When a young Amitabh Bachchan fell for a British Airways employee before Jaya Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan's first love story

Amitabh Bachchan is an icon in the film industry and not just an actor. He has earned the title of "living legend" in Indian cinema with a career spanning more than 50 years, a towering filmography, and an unrivalled on-screen presence.

Even though his career achievements are widely recognised, people have always been interested in his personal life, particularly his formative years before he became famous.

Fewer people are aware of his first love, a woman named Maya who worked for British Airways, even though the majority are aware of his long-term marriage to actress and politician Jaya Bachchan.

This lesser-known aspect of Big B's life was recently made public by renowned author and film historian Hanif Zaveri in a podcast called Meri Saheli.

According to Zaveri, Amitabh's first romantic relationship began during his early professional days in Kolkata, long before the glamour of Bollywood entered his life.

“He had fallen deeply in love with Maya,” Zaveri shared, adding that their romance blossomed while he was employed with a company in Kolkata.

When Big B eventually moved to Mumbai to chase his dreams of becoming an actor, Maya continued to visit him regularly at his uncle’s bungalow, where he was staying at the time. However, these visits raised concerns within the family.

Zaveri mentioned, “There was a fear that his mother, Teji Bachchan, would come to know about Maya.”

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The situation became more complicated because Maya was, in Zaveri’s words, “very bold and openly flirted with Amitabh,” which made the young actor uncomfortable.

Seeking advice, Amitabh Bachchan confided in Anwar Ali, brother of the famous comedian Mehmood and his co-star in Saat Hindustani, his debut film. Anwar’s counsel was blunt and practical.

“You won’t be able to spend your life with Maya. It will be difficult for her to fit into the Bachchan family, and as you move forward, more problems will arise,” he reportedly told the aspiring actor.

Following this advice, Amitabh chose to end the relationship.

Fate, however, had other plans. In 1970, while visiting the Pune Film Institute, Amitabh met Jaya Bhaduri. Sparks flew when the two worked together on Ek Nazar, and in 1973 — soon after the release of Zanjeer — they tied the knot, beginning a lifelong partnership that has endured for over 50 years.