Veteran actress and Rajya Sabha member Jaya Bachchan is known for her exceptional work in many movies like ‘Guddi’, ‘Abhimaan’, ‘Koshish’, ‘Sholay’ and many more. However, in the last few years, she’s been in the news largely due to her viral videos of interaction with the paparazzi. Nearly every public outing sparks chatter, as photographers often attempt to provoke a reaction from her. Amid this ongoing dynamic, some within the industry have speculated that her tense rapport with the media could be influencing how her grandson Agastya Nanda is perceived and possibly even affecting the reception of his films.Agastya was seen in ‘Ikkis’ which released in January this year. It was his theatrical debut after he made his OTT debut with Zoya Akhtar’s ‘The Archies’. However, both ‘The Archies’ and ‘Ikkis’ did not quite live up to expectations, which led to whispers that Jaya’s equation with the press may be casting a shadow over Agastya’s nascent career.Firmly brushing aside such claims, Jaya addressed the speculation in a recent conversation. “No power on earth can change my grandson’s destiny. If Agastya is meant to be a star, nothing can stop that,” she told during a chat with Variety India. Drawing a parallel with her husband Amitabh Bachchan‘s journey, she added, “At the peak of his stardom, Amitji was banned by the press for almost 15 years. Did that affect his career?” she asks.Reiterating that she sees no connection between her media interactions and her grandson’s professional path, Jaya concluded, “Agastya will have his own relationship with the press. It has nothing to do with me.”Previously, too, she has openly expressed admiration for Agastya’s focus and individuality. In an earlier chat with Bollywood Hungama, Jaya remarked, “Luckily Agastya is a fast learner. Neither of his parents are actors, so he’s leaning on his grandparents and his Maamu (Uncle) for guidance. You know me, I wouldn’t praise anyone, least of all my own children or grandchildren. But Agastya is special. That child is determined to forge his own path. Just like I once did. Like me, he won’t follow the herd.”
