PremiumWhy does Jaya Bachchan think it is 'stupid' for women to pay on dates?
Jaya Bachchan spoke about the changing gender norms and said that women should not pay on dates. Not just that, she also called the act "stupid" during WTH Navya! season 2.
Last Updated: 03.57 PM, Feb 23, 2024
Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan is never one to shy away from giving her opinions. And now, she has expressed her views on modern dating and relationships. On Navya Naveli Nanda’s vodcast, ‘What the Hell Navya S2,’ Jaya Bachchan spoke about the changing gender norms and said that women should not pay on dates. Not just that, she also called the act "stupid".
Jaya Bachchan on modern dating and gender dynamics
Bollywood actress-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan surprised her grandkids when she disagreed with the notion of women paying on dates as a mark of equality. In a candid conversation with her granddaughter and video podcast host Navya Naveli Nanda, Jaya Bachchan shared her thoughts on the changing gender dynamics of Gen Z. The conversations revolved around toxic masculinity, chivalry, independence, and gender equality.
In episode 4 of What the Hell Navya season 2, titled ‘Macho myths and modern men’, Navya discussed about women empowerment and feminism. She emphasised equality and a sense of independence, giving dating as an example. “Today, if you take a girl out on a date and you offer to pay, some people get offended by that. Because women now feel they’re equally..." However, she was interrupted as Jaya Bachchan expressed a strong dislike over the thought and said, “How stupid of those women. You should let the men pay.”
She explained the concept of dating and said that there needs to be clarity about humble gestures like opening the door to convey the idea of chivalry and independence. “Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve been chivalrous, but a woman has said, 'I can do that myself?'” Jaya Bachchan added, "Basically, what they’re trying to say is don’t be chivalrous. How stupid is that?”
Agastya Nanda’s take on toxic masculinity
The interesting conversation between the three generations: Jaya Bachchan, Shweta Nanda Bachchan, and Agastya Nanda and Navya, highlighted gender stereotypes and the evolution that is slowly taking place in dating and relationships. Since Agastya was the only male member in the group, he humorously pointed this out and said that all three women are water-downed versions of each other.
Speaking about masculinity and chivalry, the budding star of The Archies said that it is always about the intentions behind the action. “If you want to say, 'I’d love to pay for this meal', it’s not going to come across the wrong way because you’re doing it to do something kind. It's not like, ‘I’m the provider, so I’ll pay.’ It’s the intent,” he said.
About Navya Naveli Nanda’s talk show
Navya Naveli Nanda’s video podcast features three different generations of the Bachchan family: Jaya Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan Nanda and Navya Naveli Nanda, who share their opinions on various topics. This ranges from dating and relationships to career and beauty secrets. You can watch the episodes on YouTube.