Jaya Bachchan has always been candid about her relationship with her daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Unlike the stereotypical mother-in-law and daughter-in-law tensions often seen, Jaya describes their bond as warm and honest. Speaking about their dynamic in an interview with Reddit, she once said, "She is my buddy. If I don’t like something about her, I tell her on her face. I don’t do politics behind her back. If she disagrees with me, she expresses herself. The only difference is that I can be a little more dramatic and she has to be more respectful. I am old, you know. That’s all." Not only that, Jaya has praised Aishwarya on multiple occasions, often highlighting her caring and strong nature. During an earlier appearance on Koffee with Karan, she spoke about how Aishwarya’s presence brought joy to Amitabh Bachchan, especially after their daughter, Shweta, got married. “Amitji, the minute he sees her, it’s like he’s looking at Shweta coming home. His eyes light up. She’ll fill the vacuum that Shweta left. We have never been able to adjust that Shweta is not in the family, she is out and she is not a Bachchan. It’s tough.” So, how important is open communication in a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dynamic? Jaya Bachchan mentioned that she has a "buddy" relationship with Aishwarya Rai and that they openly communicate. Psychologist Anjali Gursahaney tells indianexpress.com, “Open communication is crucial in any relationship, but especially in a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dynamic, where unspoken expectations and generational differences often create misunderstandings. Many challenges arise due to differences in upbringing, family values, and personal boundaries. A lack of open dialogue can lead to passive-aggressive behaviour, misunderstandings, and tension. However, when both parties communicate honestly, it fosters mutual respect and strengthens the bond. The key is for both individuals to feel heard while maintaining a respectful tone.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by PEOPLE OF BOLLYWOOD (@peopleofbollywood) How common is it for families to seek emotional continuity in new members, and what impact does this expectation have on the daughter-in-law? According to Gursahaney, it’s quite common for families to seek emotional continuity when welcoming a new member, especially in close-knit households. When a daughter leaves after marriage, parents may unconsciously expect the daughter-in-law to step into a similar emotional or caregiving role. “While this can create a sense of belonging, it can also place undue pressure on the daughter-in-law to meet expectations she may not be comfortable with. It’s essential for families to let relationships develop naturally rather than imposing roles, ensuring that the daughter-in-law is seen as an individual rather than a replacement,” she suggests. How do generational differences shape expectations in family relationships? Jaya acknowledged that while she can be “a little more dramatic,” Aishwarya has to be more respectful. “Generational gaps influence how respect and self-expression are perceived. Older generations often associate respect with deference and adherence to traditional family roles, whereas younger generations value individualism and open dialogue,” highlights Gursahaney. Jaya’s statement highlights this contrast, she mentions, as she acknowledges her dramatic nature while expecting Aishwarya to remain respectful. “The best way to balance this is through mutual understanding: the older generation can appreciate self-expression as a sign of confidence rather than defiance, while the younger generation can approach disagreements with empathy and patience. Establishing a middle ground ensures that both respect and personal voice coexist.”
