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Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When a priest objected to Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan's inter-caste marriage: ‘He was not a Bengali and…'
On 3 June 1973, two of Bollywood's most iconic stars, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri , tied the knot in a quiet ceremony. Today, on the occasion of their wedding anniversary, let us look back on behind the scenes of what looked like a simple wedding, there was a moment of unexpected drama—when a Bengali priest protested against their inter-caste union. Though the event stayed away from the public eye at the time, it was later brought to light by Jaya's father, journalist Taroon Coomar Bhadhuri, who wrote about it in a 1989 article for The Illustrated Weekly of India. His piece not only revealed how quickly the wedding came together, but also tackled the caste-related objections and the gossip that surrounded it. A wedding that surprised everyone The wedding between Amitabh and Jaya was far from a grand Bollywood event. It was an intimate function with just family and close friends present. According to Jaya's father, the decision to marry came as a surprise to him. 'I felt he was not the run-of-the-mill Bombay film star. There were vicious people who said that Amitabh married Jaya because she was a big star, but it's totally untrue. He waited for Zanjeer to be a success. But Jaya would have married him anyway. I know that for certain. She is not a fickle-minded person. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo She is a very determined individual, bent on having her way since childhood. It is difficult for me to say what drew them together,' he wrote. 'Secret marriage' planned overnight Once the decision to get married was made, things moved very quickly. So quickly, in fact, that the family had no time to organise a full wedding in the usual way. As Taroon described it: 'And presto, we were in Bombay the next day to make arrangements for a 'secret marriage' on June 3, 1973. There is no point now in going into the details of how the whole affair was kept secret and the marriage arranged in the flat of friends of our family, the Pandits, at Malabar Hill. But there is something more to it.' Priest protests against inter-caste union The most dramatic part of the story came when the Bengali priest they managed to find in Mumbai raised an objection. Taroon explained, 'A Bengali marriage is usually a long-drawn-out but highly interesting affair. The Bengali priest (who was located with great difficulty) at first protested against having to preside over a marriage between a Bengali Brahmin (Jaya) and a non-Bengali non-Brahmin (Amit). After a lot of hassle, this was sorted out. Amit went through all the rituals, offending no one, and the ceremony went on until early the next morning. He did with sincerity all he was told to do. The following day, they flew to London. On their return, I held a reception at Bhopal, and again Amit did whatever he was told to do.' Setting the record straight After their marriage, gossip spread that Jaya's parents were not happy with her decision to marry Amitabh. But Taroon set the record straight once and for all. He wrote, 'I would like to know just one good reason why my wife or I would have been opposed to the Bhaduri-Bachchan alliance. Amitabh was, and is, a lovable boy. He struggled hard to come up in the world of films. Initial failures did not deter him, and with a Teutonic doggedness, he pursued his career. He proposed marriage to Jaya only when the film Zanjeer clicked, and he has not looked back since. So, what reservations could we have? That he was not a Bengali and was a non-Brahmin? How ridiculous!' Over five decades of love and togetherness Now, more than 50 years later, Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan remain one of the most respected couples in Indian cinema. They have two children—Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan—and three grandchildren, Navya Naveli, Agastya Nanda, and Aaradhya Bachchan . Amitabh Bachchan's Sunday Tradition Continues with a Thoughtful Twist Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
India.com
27-04-2025
- General
- India.com
.Jaipur's History : How Did The Pink City Of India Got It's Name?
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is a city full of wonderful history and culture. Its nickname is Pink City due to the city's unique reddish brown architecture. Jaipur is known for its heritage, architecture and culture. Have you ever stopped and thought about how this city got its name? There is a fascinating story behind the birth of Jaipur. It has a legacy made by its founders, the vision of its planners, and the rich history of Rajasthan intertwined with it. Jaipur was formed in the year 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, a visionary ruler of the Kachwaha Rajput dynasty. The Kachwaha kingdom's capital Amber was an 11 kilometer fortified city located near today's Jaipur. But as the kingdom grew in size, there was a need for a more centrally located city, which led to Jai Singh II founding the new capital. Jai Singh II was not only a warrior King, but also a scholar, an urban planner, and an astronomer. He envisioned a city that encapsulated modernity, advancement in science, and architectural beauty. To make his vision a reality, he brought together scholars and architects, one of them being Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a Shilpa Shastra expert Bengali Brahmin. Naming of the City Jaipur The city derives its name from its founder, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. 'Jaipur' directly translates to 'The City of Jai' or 'The City of Victory.' The name signifies the king's legacy and achievements as a ruler. Jai Singh II was not only known for his exceptional military skills, but also as an extraordinary strategist and as a patron of art, culture, and science. His reign was a golden era for the region which is why the city was named after him to preserve his great works. Curiously, the title 'Sawai' that was appended to Jai Singh II's name has a tale behind it too. Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, conferred this title to Jai Singh II stating that he was one and a quarter which meant he was a quarter better than his peers. This title became part of the Kachwaha Dynasty and other rulers of Jaipur also had this title. The Planning and Architecture of Jaipur With a population of over 3 million people, Jaipur became the State Capital in 1949. Jaipur is a planned city laid out on a grid pattern with specific functions designated for different segments of the city. With it, Jaipur also became one of the first cities in India to implement modern planning blurring the lines between art and science. The nine blocks are subdivided into residential, commercial, and industrial zones which encompass the nine chakras of the Hindu religion. Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Amer Fort are just a few architectural masterpieces that ought to be enjoyed when traveling to Jaipur. These structures show off the vision Jai Singh II had. Pink sandstone was used for these and many other structures in the city, which is why Jaipur is known as the Pink City. This practice was also in place to paint the city pink in 1876 for receiving the Prince of Wales, marking the beginning of a truly breathtaking view. This city did not need a title to welcome its tourists with open arms, but it sure does with phrases like 'The magical city of Jaipur'. The Legacy of Jaipur This city tells the story of the world through its forts, palaces, and lively bazaars and for that reason it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the millions of visitors it attracts every year. The name of this city not only tells the tale of a king setting to rule, but it also serves as a significance of pride in culture and history. The city is known for its unparalleled metropolitans due its ability to blend old traditions with modern lifestyles. The city's name also brings up a sense of pride for the people residing there. Jaipur is not merely a place on the map; it is a living testament to the courage, intelligence and foresight of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The city hosts various festivals to honor its cultural heritage like, the Jaipur Literature Festival, and Teej. Closing Remarks The story of how Jaipur came to be called by its name is an interesting tale from the history of India, particularly the vision of its notable ruler, and his lasting legacy. The plethora of intricately designed streets and the famous pink structures are a fair reminder of how beautiful and splendid Jaipur is as a city, and how proud its citizens are. 'Jaipur' is not just the title of the city. It serves as a symbol to all the amazing things that have happened in the city, and why it still remains an important cultural as well as a historical piece of India. The next time you find yourself in the heart of Rajasthan, try to indulge yourself and learn more about the city's rich history and culture, for, as the famous saying goes, 'History has its eyes on you.'
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Time of India
Assam professor recites Islamic verse, wife wipes off sindoor to bluff terrorists
A man walks past a police barricade on a highway leading to Pahalgam SILCHAR: Debasish Bhattacharya is well-versed in Islamic scripture. That knowledge helped the Hindu associate professor of Bengali in Silchar's Assam University snatch life from the jaws of death during the terror strike in Pahalgam on Tuesday. With a gun held against his head by one of the terrorists, the 58-year-old Bengali Brahmin was asked to recite the first kalma if he wanted to live. 'Overwhelmed by fear, I began to chant the first kalma loudly. After some time, I realised the gunman had retreated, and we scrambled to a fence behind us. We climbed over it and fled into a jungle,' Bhattacharya said. The professor had travelled to Kashmir for a vacation on April 21 with wife Madhumita Bhattacharya, a well-known danseuse, and their son, Drohadeep, a medic at Silchar Medical College and Hospital. 'My sister-in-law (Madhumita) told me over phone that when the terrorists began their assault, she swiftly removed her shakha-pola (traditional Hindu bangles) and wiped away her sindoor (vermilion) in a desperate attempt to prove they were not Hindus,' Indrani Das, Bhattacharya's sister, said in Silchar. The professor recalled how the terrorists went about their macabre business. 'First, one of the gunmen shot dead a man standing next to me and was simultaneously asking people to recite the kalma. The victim's blood and flesh splattered onto my jacket. As the gunman approached us, I started to recite the kalma. The gunman asked me in Hindi and Urdu to recite loudly,' Bhattacharya said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo The suddenness of the attack stunned the family. 'A minute ago, we were enjoying the serene beauty of Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam when I suddenly heard the ominous sound of a gunshot nearby. A photographer standing close by suggested it might have been a blank shot fired by forest officials to scare away monkeys,' Bhattacharya said. But his son Drohadeep soon witnessed one of two tourists being shot dead by a gunman 20 meters away. The panic-stricken family fled and found refuge among the bushes, taking cover under a tree. The family later trekked 2.5km through rugged terrain before they regained mobile signals. With the assistance of a local woman, they were able to contact the horseman they had hired. He brought them back to their hotel. 'My son and I saw at least five terrorists,' he said.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Time of India
Assam Hindu prof recites ‘kalima' to escape Pahalgam massacre
1 2 Silchar: Being familiar with Islamic verses saved the day in Pahalgam for Debasish Bhattacharya, an associate professor of Bengali in Silchar's Assam University. With a gun held against his head by one of the terrorists, the 58-year-old Bengali Brahmin was asked to recite the first Kalima 'La ilaha ill Allah Muhammadur-Rasul Allah' (Nothing worshipped is worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah) if he wanted to live. "First, one of the gunmen shot dead a man standing next to me and was simultaneously asking people to recite the kalima. The victim's blood and flesh splattered onto my jacket," recalled a distraught Bhattacharya. "As the gunman approached us, I started to recite the kalima and the gunman asked me in Hindi and Urdu, what I was chanting and asked me to recite loudly," said Bhattacharya, whose face was directed towards the ground, but he sensed that the barrel of the gun was pointed at the back of my head. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo "Overwhelmed by fear, I began to chant the first kalima loudly. After some time, I realized that the gunman had retreated, and we scrambled to a fence mere 10 meters behind us. We climbed over it and fled into the jungle," Bhattacharya, who is also articulate in Islamic studies, said. Bhattacharya, his wife Madhumita Das Bhattacharya, a well-known danseuse and their son, Drohadeep, a medic at Silchar Medical College and Hospital, had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir for a vacation on April 21. "A minute ago, we were enjoying the beauty of the scenic Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam when I suddenly heard the ominous sound of a gunshot nearby. I inquired with a local photographer standing close by, who suggested it might have been a blank shot fired by forest officials to scare away monkeys," Bhattacharya said. But soon his son witnessed one of the two tourists standing merely 20 meters from the family being shot dead by a gunman. The panic-stricken family fled and found refuge among the bushes, taking cover under a tree. There, they discovered about 15 to 20 individuals fervently reciting the kalima out of fear, recounted Bhattacharya. The family later trekked for approximately two-and-half hours through the rugged terrain before they regained mobile signal. With the assistance of a local Kashmiri woman, they were able to contact the horseman they had hired who safely brought them back to their hotel. "My son and I saw at least five terrorists poised to massacre people, and firing upon a group of tourists in that expansive meadow," Bhattacharya said. The family is currently staying at a hotel in Srinagar, safe and are likely to depart from Srinagar to Silchar on Saturday. Indrani Saha Das, his sister in Silchar shared on Wednesday that the family is still grappling with the psychological aftermath of the ordeal. "We spoke to them after hearing the news. My sister-in-law (Madhumita) informed me over the phone that when the terrorists began their assault, she swiftly removed her shakha-pola (traditional Hindu bangles) and wiped away her sindur (vermilion) in a desperate attempt to prove they were not Hindus," Indrani, a schoolteacher, said. Indrani also mentioned that Debasish, who is a native of Sashinagar, Bazaricherra in Sribhumi district, was remarkably articulate in Islamic scripture as well as Hinduism, since his student days. "Perhaps this eloquence helped him survive," she added.
