Among Bollywood’s renowned families, the Bachchan family has connections that often stay away from the spotlight. One such bond is between Jaya Bachchan and Ramola Bachchan, wife of Amitabh Bachchan’s younger brother, Ajitabh. While Jaya remains a well-known actress and public figure, Ramola, a fashion designer and businesswoman, has largely stayed out of the limelight. Despite being close friends with Amitabh before her marriage, Ramola’s relationship with Jaya saw ups and downs over the years, marked by phases of both warmth and distance.
Who is Ramola Bachchan?
Ramola Bachchan is more than Amitabh Bachchan’s sister-in-law; she is a successful fashion designer and entrepreneur with an independent career and presence in the fashion world. Her company, Ramola Bachchan Concepts, organizes fashion and lifestyle events, and she also runs her fashion label. Her vibrant career and unique personality have made her an influential figure in her own right, even though she chooses to keep a low profile.
Ramola’s bond with Amitabh dates back to their early days in Kolkata when Amitabh worked in a shipping company. The two were close friends, a friendship formed before either of them was married. She eventually met Ajitabh through Amitabh, and their friendship transformed when she married Ajitabh, becoming part of the Bachchan family. Interestingly, before marriage, Ramola used to celebrate Raksha Bandhan by tying Rakhi to both Amitabh and Ajitabh since neither had a sister.
The Close Yet Independent Path of Ramola and Ajitabh Bachchan
Ramola and Ajitabh married in 1973, moving to London, where they raised their three daughters—Neelima, Namrata, and Naina—and their son, Bheem. Naina is married to actor Kunal Kapoor, making her another link in Bollywood’s network of relationships. Namrata, a painter, and Neelima have established themselves independently as well. The Bachchan family’s London ties often see Ajitabh and Ramola hosting Amitabh when he visits, though Amitabh and Jaya stay separately in hotels.
Ramola’s close friendship with Amitabh was an integral part of the family’s early years. However, as both brothers pursued their lives and careers, Ramola’s independent approach kept her in London and distant from the Bollywood spotlight. Despite her low profile, her influence and presence within the family have remained constant.
The Tension During the 1987 Bofors Scandal
The relationship between Jaya and Ramola took a challenging turn during the Bofors scandal of the late 1980s. Amitabh Bachchan’s name surfaced in the scandal, and scrutiny extended to Ajitabh’s company, creating a tense time for the family. While the situation created a rift, time eventually healed the misunderstanding, and the family moved past it.
Though the two sisters-in-law have different approaches to life and family, the strength of family bonds has kept the connection alive over the years. When in Mumbai, Ramola prefers staying at her apartment rather than Jaya’s, highlighting her preference for independence even within her extended family. This choice speaks less of distance and more of her self-sufficiency and comfort in keeping personal space.
Ramola’s Influence and Family Values in the Bachchan Household
Ramola Bachchan’s quiet yet impactful role in the Bachchan family has left an indelible mark. Her background as Amitabh’s friend and later as Ajitabh’s wife has shaped the family dynamics, introducing a layer of independence and creativity. Her children and their accomplishments stand testament to her influence, as each has forged a path outside traditional Bollywood fame. With daughters involved in art and fashion and a son-in-law like Kunal Kapoor, her family adds a unique dimension to the Bachchan legacy.
While the family members may not share the same household or always appear in public together, Ramola’s connection to Amitabh, Jaya, and the Bachchan lineage remains strong. As a woman who values family and her career, Ramola exemplifies the modern balance between maintaining close family ties and pursuing an independent path.
Ramola Bachchan’s story is a reminder of the intricate family relationships that quietly shape even the most public of households. Her journey from a friend of Amitabh to a beloved family member holds a special place in the fabric of the Bachchan family’s story, underscoring the complex but enduring connections shared over time.
