Teji Bachchan, a prominent Indian social activist and mother of Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, led a life filled with fascinating stories and impactful relationships. Her influence extended far beyond her family, touching the lives of many prominent figures in Indian history.

Wiki/Biography

Teji Bachchan, born Tejwant Kaur Suri on Wednesday, 12 August 1914 (age 93 at the time of death), in Lyallpur, Punjab, British India (now Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan), displayed an early love for literature and poetry from childhood.

Family & Caste

Teji Bachchan hailed from a Punjabi Sikh Khatri family. Her heritage played a significant role in shaping her values and worldview.

Parents & Siblings

Her father, Khazan Singh Suri, was a renowned Sikh Barrister in British India. Information regarding her mother and siblings remains limited.

Relationships, Husband & Children

In 1941, she married Harivansh Rai Bachchan, a celebrated Indian poet, in what was considered an inter-caste marriage at the time. This union produced two sons: the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and Ajitabh Bachchan.

Her family grew to include daughter-in-law Jaya Bachchan, granddaughter Shweta Nanda Bachchan, grandson Abhishek Bachchan, and great-granddaughter Aaradhya Bachchan. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek’s wife, further expanded the family.

Teji & Harivansh Rai Bachchan – The Love Story

Their relationship is often described as a blend of tradition and modernity; Teji’s upbringing contrasted with Harivansh Rai’s deep-rooted Indian traditions. Their first meeting, orchestrated by a mutual friend, was described as love at first sight by Harivansh Rai.

Their courtship blossomed over shared literary interests and conversations. The couple faced societal challenges due to their inter-caste marriage, but they persevered, supported by influential figures like Sarojini Naidu, who introduced them to Jawaharlal Nehru.

Teji Bachchan – The Artist

Beyond her role as a wife and mother, Teji Bachchan was a talented singer, theater artist, and had a passion for music and poetry. She performed in various plays, including Shakespearean adaptations translated by her husband. The Bachchan household in Allahabad was a hub for intellectuals and writers, with Teji and Harivansh often performing together as a singing duo.

A Connecting Link Between The Bachchan-Gandhi Family

Teji Bachchan’s connection to the Gandhi family is well-documented. She served as Sonia Gandhi’s godmother, guiding her through Indian customs and traditions. The Bachchan family’s home hosted Sonia during her early days in India.

Teji’s influence extended to the political realm; she reportedly played a role in encouraging Indira Gandhi to approve of Rajiv Gandhi’s marriage to Sonia. The families’ close relationship reached a peak when Rajiv Gandhi brought Amitabh Bachchan into politics.

However, the relationship eventually cooled after Amitabh’s involvement in the Bofors scandal, though he was later cleared.

A Celebrity Mother

While Teji Bachchan had her own notable achievements, she’s widely recognized as Amitabh Bachchan’s mother. She played a significant role in shaping his career, balancing her Anglicized background with a strong emphasis on Indian culture and values.

She was known for her discipline and structured approach to raising her children, a trait that Amitabh still embodies. Even after his rise to stardom, Amitabh always sought and valued her advice and approval.

Death

After a prolonged illness and a period of being bedridden at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, Teji Bachchan passed away on December 21, 2007, at the age of 93. Her funeral was attended by her family and numerous celebrities.

Facts/Trivia

Here are some interesting facts about Teji Bachchan’s life:

• She came from a wealthy family.
• Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru famously introduced her and Harivansh Rai at gatherings.
• She acted in her husband’s Hindi adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
• She and her husband had a cameo in Yash Chopra’s 1976 film, *Kabhie Kabhie*.
• In 1973, she served as a director of the Film Finance Corporation.
• She actively shaped Amitabh Bachchan’s career, influencing key decisions.
• She was a close friend of many in the Bollywood industry.
• She frequently attended Amitabh Bachchan’s film premieres.
• She and her maternal uncles were the managers of the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara.

Teji Bachchan’s Family Tree