In a recent conversation about his upcoming film, Abhishek Bachchan shared personal anecdotes about his relationship with food, family meals, and the role both his mom, Jaya Bachchan, and his maternal grandmother, Indria Bhaduri, play in his culinary experiences. Speaking during a promotional interview for the movie “Kaalidhar Laapata,” Abhishek opened up about learning meaningful lessons while on set, especially related to cooking and family affection.
Throughout the interview, Abhishek Bachchan recounted moments when, during the filming process in Bhopal—which is not only significant for its role in the movie but also his maternal home—he would go back to his grandmother’s house at the end of the day. His grandmother, now 95, still insists on preparing his favorite dish, kosha mangsho, herself, demonstrating love and devotion through her cooking. This family tradition remains central to his fondest memories.
Cherished Meals at His Maternal Home
Discussing what he absorbed while shooting “Kaalidhar Laapata,” Abhishek spoke candidly about the warmth of his nanhiyal (maternal home) in Bhopal. The experience of being pampered by his grandmother, Indria Bhaduri, was a recurring topic in his reflections, as he described being welcomed each evening with home-cooked meals even amidst a demanding filming schedule.
I think the greatest learning for me during the making of this film— we shot extensively in and around Bhopal, which is my nanhiyal (maternal home). And my greatest learning was: you will never, ever, ever put on weight when your grandmother feeds you with love. Every night after pack-up, I would go back—my Nani, by the grace of God, is 95 and still with us—and she’d have Kosha Mangsho ready every night. It was all set, made with love, fed with love—and you’ll never put on weight when it’s like that.
—Abhishek Bachchan
Abhishek emphasized the unique feeling of homecoming, noting how his nani’s attention and affection transformed the simple act of eating into something extraordinary. He underscored that when food is prepared and served with such care, it doesn’t just nourish; it brings joy and comfort that can’t be measured by calorie counts or worries about weight.
Jaya Bachchan’s Cooking Skills and Family Expectations
During the same discussion, a question arose about Abhishek Bachchan’s mother, Jaya Bachchan, and her culinary skills. He responded by differentiating between his mother’s approach to cooking and his grandmother’s enthusiasm in the kitchen. While Jaya Bachchan is a versatile and respected figure, both as a mother and public personality, Abhishek made it clear that the mantle of family cook belongs suitably to his grandmother.
My Nani is the cook, my mom is not a cook. So whenever I’m in Bhopal, it’s a lot of fun—you get spoiled. So yes, my biggest learning is: when your Nani feeds you with love, you’ll never put on weight.
—Abhishek Bachchan
These comments not only highlight his gratitude for his grandmother’s efforts but also playfully address the dynamics within the Bachchan family. The distinction between his nani’s deep involvement in cooking and his mother’s absence from the kitchen becomes a source of laughter and affection, underlining the different ways love is expressed at home.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Talents in the Kitchen
Turning attention to another significant family member, Abhishek Bachchan had previously spoken about his wife, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan‘s culinary abilities. At an earlier media event, he expressed admiration for her talent in preparing meals. According to him, whatever Aishwarya creates in the kitchen is done with love and care, resulting in dishes that are both delicious and emotionally meaningful.
Abhishek described how his wife makes impressive desserts and reminisced about her first dish for the family, a traditional halwa during her pehli rasoi (first cooking ceremony). He shared that he has always enjoyed every meal Aishwarya prepared, attributing the wonderful flavors to the emotion and attention she puts into her cooking.
Public Speculation and Family Bonds
Over the years, rumors and reports about tensions in the Bachchan family, particularly relating to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, have circulated in media circles. Speculation regarding a possible split and stories of rifts within the family have repeatedly surfaced. However, repeated public appearances and statements from family members, including Abhishek Bachchan himself, have aimed to set the record straight.
Most recently, Abhishek addressed rumors about Aishwarya moving out of the family home, Jalsa, during an interview. By emphasizing that they all still live together, he indicated unity and strong family bonds, despite ongoing public attention and baseless gossip. His remarks reveal the challenges of living in the spotlight and the impact that speculation can have on those who value their personal relationships.
Abhishek’s mentions of both his parents, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, as well as his sister-in-law and the extended family, serve to remind readers that the Bachchan family remains closely-knit, resilient, and navigates public scrutiny with a sense of togetherness. Their appearances at events, such as the managing director‘s son’s wedding in Bhopal, reiterate this unity.
The Emotional Role of Food and Family Traditions
For Abhishek Bachchan, meals prepared by his grandmother are not just about taste but are laden with emotional meaning and family tradition. The act of being “spoiled” by his nani, particularly through dishes like kosha mangsho, reflects a broader cultural value placed on intergenerational relationships and the transmission of love through food in many Indian families. His comments about Jaya Bachchan’s role outside the kitchen further illustrate the diversity of strengths and interests within his family, fostering respect and humor in domestic life.
By openly acknowledging the talents of both his wife, Aishwarya, and his grandmother, Abhishek offers a glimpse into a household where affection is expressed in many forms—whether it’s through meals, shared moments, or supportive words. The focus on “never putting on weight” when fed with love, as he humorously insists, encapsulates how the emotional backdrop of family meals transcends nutritional concerns and becomes a cherished ritual.
Looking Forward: Family, Films, and the Importance of Togetherness
As anticipation builds for “Kaalidhar Laapata,” Abhishek Bachchan’s personal revelations about food, family, and love add depth to his public image and provide fans with insights into his everyday life. The stories of his grandmother’s devotion, Jaya Bachchan’s unique contributions to the family, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s abilities in the kitchen interweave to illustrate an environment full of respect and warmth.
For the Bachchans, maintaining familial ties remains essential, regardless of external pressures or media narratives. While public fascination with their personal lives may continue, Abhishek’s candidness and humor help demystify the family’s internal relationships, reminding audiences that affection, tradition, and support shape their lives far more than rumors ever could.
