Jaya Bachchan doesn't want Navya to marry, calls marriage outdated institution

Updated on 01 Dec 2025 | Category: Entertainment

Jaya Bachchan said that she does not want her granddaughter Navya to marry, calling marriage an 'outdated institution'. She also said that she might be getting too old to give her opinion on how women should raise children, because kids these days are getting smarter.

Veteran actor and parliamentarian Jaya Bachchan made striking remarks about marriage, calling it an 'outdated institution' and saying she does not want her granddaughter Navya to get married.
While speaking to journalist Barkha Dutt at We the Women Mumbai session, when asked whether she would encourage her granddaughter or young women today to make the same choices she once did, Jaya Bachchan said, “I don’t want Navya to get married.”
Pressed on whether she believed marriage as an institution has become outdated, she replied, “Yes, absolutely.”
Bachchan reflected on how rapidly social norms and parenting have transformed. She also shared that she might be getting too old to give her opinion on how women should raise children, because kids these days are getting smarter.
“I'm a grandmother now. Navya turns 28 in another few days. I’m too old to advise young girls today on how to bring up children. Things have changed so much These little children today are so smart. They’ll outsmart you,” she said.
She added that a legal stamp is no longer essential to define a relationship. Sharing a light moment, Bachchan remarked, “I really don’t know. Woh Dilli ka ladoo—khao toh mushkil, na khao toh mushkil. Just enjoy life."
Her comments have sparked fresh debate online about evolving attitudes toward marriage among younger generations.
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