[5] Bachchan made her film debut as a teenager in Satyajit Ray's Mahanagar (1963), followed by her first screen role as an adult in the drama Guddi (1971), directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, in their first of several collaborations.

Following her marriage to actor Amitabh Bachchan and the birth of their children, she restricted her work in films, notably starring in Yash Chopra's musical romantic drama Silsila (1981).

After another hiatus, she made her comeback with Karan Johar's romantic comedy family-drama Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), which earned her a fourth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.

She then appeared in two more Bengali films: a 13-minute short Suman,[8] and the comedy Dhanyee Meye (1971), where she played the role of Uttam Kumar's sister-in-law.

[9] Inspired by her experience with Ray, she joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune and graduated with a gold medal.

[10] Hrishikesh Mukherjee cast her in Guddi (1971), to play the eponymous role of a petite school-girl obsessed with film star Dharmendra.

In 2000, she starred alongside Karisma Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan in the crime drama Fiza as a mother longing for her son's return who goes missing during the 1993 Bombay riots.

Sanjeev Bariana of The Tribune opined that "Bachchan delivers a commendable performance, displaying mixed emotions through trying times delicately.

[20] In 2023, she starred alongside Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi in Karan Johar's romantic comedy family drama Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, which emerged as the third highest-grossing Hindi film of the year.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also criticised her statement, "After making all your success and fortune in Mumbai, if you feel like saying that we are from UP, it's very unfortunate".

[37] Writing for Times of India, Subhash K. Jha termed her an "exceptional talent" and noted, "During her brief innings of superstardom she was a far bigger star than her husband.

"[38] Samriddhi Patwa of Filmfare noted, "The Bengali actress who had long hair, a sweet smile, and significant roles conquered the silver screen.

"[39] Dinesh Raheja of Rediff.com termed her an "outspoken actress" and noted, "Dimunitive she may be, but Jaya Bhaduri has managed to cast a long shadow over the world of Hindi films.

"[40] Indian Express said that her filmography is "full of gems" and added, "The Bengali beauty ruled the silver screen with meaningful roles.

"[41] Kanika Katyal of Firstpost noted, "Full of vigour and idealism, Jaya found herself at home in the "middle cinema" of the 1970s", and added, "Each time she emoted, the camera was firmly in her grip.