Of all the actress' of Bollywood's bouffant 70s era Jaya Bachchan (Bhaduri) would be the one voted; "Most Likely to be the Girl you Take Home to Meet Mom and Dad". She has that genuine and sincere quality that the parent's love to see.

There is a fortitude and level-headedness in her gaze and demeanor. She displays a silent refined non-plussed intelligence. The plot my be throwing Jaya for a loop through seemingly insurmountable odds but the quiet gaze of her often downcast eyes presents us with a mind actively (internally) searching for solutions as opposed to a spirit victimized and submissive. One could misinterpret her demeanor as submissive and victimized but there is decorum in her manner that transcends such stereotypes and elevates it to a silent dignity backed by integity of spirit.

Photo Galleries

Jaya Bhaduri from"Kore Kagaz" (1974)

Jaya Bhaduri from "Zanjeer" (1973)

Jaya Bhaduri from "Ek Nazar" (1972)

Jaya Bhaduri from "Jawani Diwani (1972)

Then Jaya cries and Jaya weeps and Jaya pleads and remonstrates. Jaya speaks her sensible words to a listening audience and more often than not the un-hearing ears on the screen itself. The lover's wish, the daughter's insight, the wife's truth that fall on seemingly deaf ears. Words that are spun into the violent wheel of life (and Bollywood plot) and are bounced to the petty wayside. Until the end when the truth comes out. She is the particle of reason in a world generated by emotion and desire that she is also enexticably caught up in. This is the character of Jaya Bhaduri in Bollywood. One could also say she is the achetype of the Indian woman.

Links:

rediff.com Jaya Bachchan profile

rediff.com Jaya Bachchan in 'Guddi' profile

nazara.com Jaya Bachchan profile

NewBollywood recent Jaya photos

expressindia interview with Jaya