Respected Jayaji,

You were one of my favorite actresses. I revered you as I would revere my mother. Before your comeback in 2000, you had done 27 films. But how power-packed your performances were! You were a gold medalist at FTII! You quit films to take care of your children, Shweta and Abhishek. Yet, when you returned in 1979 to perform "Pallo Latke Re Maaro Pallo Latke" with your favorite co-star, Sanjeev Kumar (Naukar, 1979), we knew it was a favor to the well-known Bollywood comedian, Mehmood. Your other role in Silsila (1981) was well-publicized, but the film sank without a trace, even though it was directed by the "King of Romance," Yash Chopra.

I rejoiced when you returned to movies with Govind Nihalani's Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2001). I was looking forward to a cinematic version of "Baa Retire Ho Rahi Hai," but it never materialized. Unfortunately, all the films you’ve done after 2001 have been disappointing. None of them can compare to the glorious era of the '70s when you made films like Guddi, Piya Ka Ghar, Mili, Abhimaan, Phagun, Jawani Diwani, Annadata, Bawarchi, Koshish, and many more. Those movies are the kind you can watch again and again. Even in mediocre films like Bansi Birju, Jaya Bhaduri the actress stood out due to her histrionic abilities. Zanjeer (1973) was a full-on commercial movie that you did only because no other actress wanted to act with your then-boyfriend, and now husband, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan.

I know that you have had a hard life. Rumors about Mr. Bachchan's infamous associations with certain actresses have been circulating for years. In fact, the Bachchan family has long been the target of malicious gossip. Your daughter lives in Mumbai with her children, while your son-in-law manages a business in Delhi. Your son’s career never really took off, though he is an excellent actor. Your son’s marital life has been fodder for gossip because he married a woman older than him—an actress and former beauty queen who had her share of infamous alliances before marrying your son.

You have raised many issues and asked many questions to the government, but none seem relevant to the taxpayers. Your vampish role in Rocky Rani Ki Amar Kahani (or whatever it's called) was a real shocker. We did not expect Guddi to portray such a regressive role.

I would like to ask you a few questions:

1. Why haven’t we seen you pose with your son’s daughter?

2. Have you ever met your FTII senior Rehana Sultan, who went through heart surgery and had to rely on funds from others? Did you offer her any help?

3. Mr. Bachchan has been buying and selling property left, right, and center. I know that you are paying taxes, but have you raised your voice regarding any issues affecting Mumbai, where you’ve lived all your life?

4. Bhagwan Dada, Rajkumari (playback singer), and Mubarak Begum (playback singer) died tragic deaths, devoid of fame and fortune. Did the Bachchan family ever support such destitutes? Can you provide one example where the Bachchan family has gone out of its way to support a film family in distress?

5. What really happened between Mr. Amar Singh and Mr. Bachchan? Why is Mr. Bachchan unable to sustain friendships either in the industry or outside?

6. Why did you enter the Rajya Sabha instead of devoting your life to social causes? Do you feel you are taking up the right, relevant issues in the Upper House?

7. Your indignation at the paparazzi is palpable. But do you have to abuse them?

8. In a country like India, where so many people sleep hungry and lose their jobs, your family is accumulating wealth. How much of this wealth is being shared with those less fortunate? You could at least focus on helping former artistes, junior actors, and technicians. Why don't you join hands with an NGO to support the film fraternity?

9. Have you met Bhai in recent times? I’m referring to the legendary Gulzar, who gave you opportunities in some landmark films.

10. Don't you feel guilty that, in your quest to please your party, you are raising non-issues and wasting everyone’s time in the Rajya Sabha? Your outbursts have completely diluted the brand image you had cultivated as an actress par excellence in Bollywood.

11. Vani Jairam, who sang "Bole Re Papihara" in your Bollywood debut "Guddi" passed away all of a sudden. You didn't even offer condolences. Why?

Madam, please don’t make a laughing stock of yourself. Stick to your core competency—acting.

Do not enter the dirty cesspool of politics (as Mr. Bachchan once said when embroiled in an infamous controversy). If you want to do something meaningful, take a cue from Sudha Murthy and the issues she is raising in parliament.

BTW, Mr. Bachchan has crossed 82 years. Don’t you think both of you deserve to spend time together—rest, relax, and rejuvenate? You have been fortunate that Mr. Bachchan survived the ghastly accident on the sets of Coolie (1983). God has been kind. It’s now time to give back.