Mumbai: Amid ongoing chatter about veteran actor and Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan’s strained equation with the media, industry insiders believe it may have had an impact on her grandson Agastya Nanda’s early Bollywood journey.
Agastya’s Netflix project ‘The Archies’ and his recent theatrical release ‘Ikkis’ failed to strike a chord with audiences or create a strong box-office impact.
According to insiders, Jaya’s frequent run-ins with the paparazzi may have indirectly influenced public perception, potentially affecting the reception of Agastya’s films.
However, in a recent interview, Jaya dismissed the claims, stating if her grandson is destined to become a star then nobody can stop him from achieving what he deserves.
“No power on earth can change my grandson’s destiny. If Agastya is destined to be a star, nothing can change it. Agastya will
have his own equation with the press. It has nothing to do with me,” Jaya was quoted as saying by Variety India.
Recalling how her husband Amitabh Bachchan was banned for 15 years, yet is a megastar today, she said, “At the peak of his stardom, Amitji was banned by the press for nearly 15 years. Did that impact his career?”
Jaya added, “Agastya will have his own relationship with the press. It has nothing to do with me.”
Earlier, in an interview with Bollywood Hungama, lauding Agastya for his dedication and individuality, Jaya had said, “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.”
Agastya is the son of Amitabh’s daughter Shweta Bachchan and Nikhil Nanda.
He made his acting debut in 2023 with Netflix’s ‘The Archies’ alongside Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter, Suhana Khan.
He was recently seen playing Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, in Sriram Raghavan’s war drama ‘Ikkis’.