New Delhi: 

Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan turned 77 on Wednesday (April 9). While today she’s often seen as a stern figure known for her frequent public outbursts and no-nonsense attitude, there was once a time when she was celebrated for her bubbly and joyful screen presence.

Jaya Bachchan’s movies

On her 77th birthday, we revisit five iconic roles where Jaya Bachchan’s playful, lively energy won over audiences and left an indelible mark.

1. Bawarchi (1972)

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and starring Rajesh Khanna, Bawarchi featured Jaya as a young woman in a joint family struggling with emotional loss. Despite the pain, her character holds on to her zest for life. Jaya’s portrayal brought a sense of innocence and quiet optimism, leaving the audience with a refreshing emotional uplift.

2. Mili (1975)

In Mili, Jaya played a terminally ill young woman battling a fatal disease. While the premise was heavy, her character lit up every scene with a spirited, cheerful attitude that masked her pain. Her endearing nature and infectious positivity made this bittersweet film unforgettable.

3. Guddi (1971)

One of her most iconic roles, Guddi follows a schoolgirl obsessed with film stars—especially Dharmendra. Naïve and full of teenage dreams, her character captures the innocence and excitement of first love. It remains one of Jaya’s most delightful performances, blending comedy with coming-of-age charm.

4. Naya Din Nayi Raat (1974)

Though not the lead, Jaya played a pivotal role alongside Sanjeev Kumar, who took on nine different characters in the film. Her portrayal of a runaway girl who encounters these varied personas during her journey showcased her acting range and magnetic screen presence—even opposite a legend like Kumar.

5. Koshish (1972)

A deeply emotional film where Jaya played a deaf and mute woman opposite Sanjeev Kumar. Her performance was sensitive, layered, and incredibly powerful, showing her ability to bring silent strength and grace to the screen. The film explored love and survival against societal odds and is considered a landmark in Indian cinema.

Clips of her scolding the media or rebuking fans often go viral online, the most recent being an incident where she lashed out at an elderly couple who merely wished to take a photo with her.

But Jaya Bachchan wasn’t always known for her curt demeanor. In the 1970s, when she burst onto the big screen, she quickly became one of Bollywood’s most beloved leading ladies, widely popular for her mischievous charm.

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