Jaya Bachchan, one of the most versatile actors of the Hindi film industry, turned 71 years today.

Jaya Bachchan, one of the most versatile actors of the Hindi film industry, turned 71 years today.

Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan is recognized as one of the finest Hindi film actresses of her time, particularly known for reinforcing a naturalistic style of acting in both mainstream and “middle-of-the-road” cinema.

The actress, a student of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, made her debut as a teenager in Satyajit Ray’s Mahanagar in 1963. She later made an impressive leading role debut in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s movie Guddi (1971). With films like Abhimaan and Mili, the actress became synonymous to roles that exuded innocence. In films like Anamika, Kora Kagaz, Silsila, Chupke Chupke, Koshish, and Sholay, she displayed her range as an actor.

She is one of the most awarded actresses of her time and has been also adorned with Padma Shri in 1992. She has also won a total of 9 Filmfare awards including the lifetime achievement award which she was given in 2007. She also has a tally of 3 IIFA awards to her name.

An active politician, Jaya is a Rajya Sabha MP representing Samajwadi Party since 2004.