From Bare Walls to Bollywood Royalty: Untold Tales of Amitabh & Jaya Bachchan’s Humble Beginnings at Prateeksha

When Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan first settled into their iconic Mumbai bungalow, Prateeksha, back in 1976, it was a far cry from the glamorous landmark it has become today. Jaya reminisced in a 2002 article that they moved into the bungalow even though it was lacking “proper curtains or windows.” At that time, Amitabh was riding high on the success of Sholay, and his hectic schedule meant he was “hardly ever there” during those early days.

 

Prateeksha was the couple's first home together, marking a fresh start for them. Named by Amitabh’s father, the renowned poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, the bungalow quickly turned into a gathering place for the Bachchan family. Their children, Shweta and Abhishek, grew up in this home, and it later became the venue for Abhishek’s wedding to Aishwarya Rai.

 

Despite its modest beginnings, Prateeksha blossomed into a beloved family home and a Bollywood landmark, attracting fans eager to catch a glimpse of the superstar. After Amitabh’s parents passed away, the family moved to their current residence, Jalsa, but the legacy of Prateeksha lives on. Recently, the house was gifted to Shweta Bachchan, keeping its emotional ties strong within the family.

 

Source: Indian Express