Jaya Bachchan: Rare photos of the Guddi actor

Yesteryear actor Jaya Bachchan turns 71 today. Jaya, who might be a parliamentarian today, has a brilliant body of work in Bollywood. The veteran actor made her Bollywood debut with Satyajit Ray's 1963 film Mahanagar. (Photo: Express Archives)

Jaya Bachchan's first adult role came in 1971 with Guddi. This film also began Jaya's long-term association with director Hrishikesh Mukherjee, with whom she later delivered hits like Chupke Chupke, Abhimaan, Bawarchi and Mili. Jaya is remembered for her noteworthy performances in movies like Koshish, Uphaar, Kora Kagaz and Fiza. (Photo: Express Archives)

At the peak of her career, Jaya Bachchan tied the knot with Amitabh Bachchan in 1973. The power couple of Bollywood has shared screen space in films like Abhimaan, Silsila, Sholay, Zanjeer and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. (Photo: Express Archives)

Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan have two kids - son Abhishek and daughter Shweta. (Photo: Express Archives)

Jaya Bachchan entered politics in 2004. Seen here in a still from Abhimaan (1973). (Photo: Express Archives)

Jaya Bachchan, Tina Munim (Ambani) and Amitabh Bachchan. (Photo: Express Archives)

Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. (Photo: Express Archives)

Jaya Bachchan and her Silsila co-star Rekha at an event. (Photo: Express Archives)

Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Sharmila Tagore in a still from Chupke Chupke. (Photo: Express Archives)

Jaya Bachchan with Sunil Dutt and Sanjay Dutt. (Photo: Express Archives)

Jaya Bachchan and Dharmendra in a still from Guddi (1971). (Photo: Express Archives)

Jaya Bachchan with Amitabh, Abhishek and Shweta Bachchan. (Photo: Express Archives)

Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan sharing a candid moment. (Photo: Express Archives)

Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan at a puja ceremony. (Photo: Express Archives)

Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha along with filmmaker Ramesh Sippy at the 40 years celebration of Sholay. Also present is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. (Photo: Express Archives)

An old photo of the Bachchan family. (Photo: Express Archives)