Writer Hanif Zaveri defends Jaya Bachchan's public outbursts; says, 'She has nothing to hide'

In a recent interview on the podcast Meri Saheli, Hanif Zaveri explained that Jaya Bachchan’s reactions stem from her need to assert power and influence.

Veteran actress and politician Jaya Bachchan has often made headlines for her sharp responses and public outbursts, which have fueled online trolling and memes. However, noted writer Hanif Zaveri has come forward to defend her, attributing her behaviour to a deeper psychological reason.

In a recent interview on the podcast Meri Saheli, Hanif Zaveri explained that Jaya Bachchan’s reactions stem from her need to assert power and influence. “She behaves this way in public as a way of asserting her authority. Sometimes, her actions seem justified, and at other times, they may appear questionable. But human nature is complex—moods fluctuate, and emotions take over,” he stated.

Zaveri further emphasised that despite her seemingly impulsive nature, Jaya Bachchan is an honest and forthright individual. "This is a personal trait. Sometimes, a person speaks impulsively due to their nature. There are days when one is in a good mood and other times when they are not. From what I have observed, Jaya ji is a woman with a genuinely pure heart. Remember one thing—those who openly speak their minds are the ones who have nothing to hide. They harbor no malice, and Jaya ji embodies this trait," he added.

The long-standing speculation about Amitabh Bachchan’s alleged affair with Rekha has been a topic of public curiosity for decades. Addressing these rumours in an old People Magazine interview, Jaya Bachchan firmly denied any truth to them. She stated that if there had been any substance to the speculations, things would have turned out differently.

While acknowledging that audiences enjoyed Amitabh and Rekha’s on-screen chemistry, she maintained that media gossip never influenced her personal life. However, she did express disappointment over how rumors often overshadowed the actors' actual work.

In contrast, Rekha has openly admitted her deep admiration for Amitabh Bachchan. In a conversation with Simi Garewal, she confessed her undeniable love for him, stating, “I have never met anyone who could resist falling for him. Even if you multiply all the love in the world, it wouldn’t compare to what I feel for him.”

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During a rare interview on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, Jaya Bachchan humorously revealed that Amitabh was never particularly romantic—at least not with her. When asked if he had a romantic side, she quipped, “Not with me. Maybe with a girlfriend.”

Amitabh himself dismissed the idea of romance, stating that he always found it to be a “waste of time.”