Asha Parekh, a legendary figure in Indian cinema, achieved iconic status as one of Bollywood’s leading ladies. Her career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. This blog post delves into her life and career, exploring various facets of her remarkable journey.
Wiki/Biography
Asha Parekh was born on October 2, 1942, in Mumbai, India. Her astrological sign is Libra. She received training in various classical Indian dance forms from a young age, including Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Kathakali, laying a foundation for her graceful screen presence.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’3″
- Weight (approx.): 65 kg
- Eye Colour: Dark Brown
- Hair Colour: White
Family, Caste & Husband
Asha Parekh hailed from a middle-class Gujarati Jain family. Her father, Bachubhai Parekh, was Gujarati Jain, and her mother, Sudha (also known as Salma Parekh), was Muslim. While she was romantically linked to veteran producer and director Nasir Hussain, her autobiography, “The Hit Girl,” details her deep affection for him throughout her life.
Career
Asha Parekh began her career as a child actress, using the screen name “Baby Asha Parekh.” Her debut film, “Maa” (1952), marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. After focusing on her education, she returned to acting at sixteen, launching her career as a leading actress with “Dil Deke Dekho” (1959) opposite Shammi Kapoor, which propelled her to stardom. Her versatility extended beyond Hindi cinema; she acted in Gujarati, Punjabi, and Kannada films as well. In the early 1990s, she transitioned to television direction with the Gujarati serial “Jyoti,” further showcasing her multifaceted talent. She also founded a production company, “Akruti,” responsible for several successful television series.
Controversies
Asha Parekh faced some controversies, notably concerning her role in film censorship. Her refusal to clear Shekhar Kapur’s “Elizabeth” (1998) sparked debate; however, she maintained her actions aligned with legal standards.
Awards & Honours
Asha Parekh’s contributions to Indian cinema have been widely recognized through numerous prestigious awards and honors. These include:
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Gujarat State Award for Best Actress (Akhand Saubhagyavati) | 1963 |
| Padma Shri | 1992 |
| Living Legend Award (FICCI) | (Year not specified) |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Award | 2020 (received in 2022) |
| Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award (Maharashtra State Film Awards) | 2024 |
| Filmfare Best Actress (Kati Patang) | 1972 |
| Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award | 2002 |
Favourite Things
Asha Parekh’s preferences offer a glimpse into her personal life. Her favorites include:
- Food: Fried Fish, Goan Fish Curry
- Actor: Shammi Kapoor, Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar
- Actress: Waheeda Rehman, Helen, Saira Bano
- Director: Bimal Roy, Raj Khosla
- Singer: Asha Bhosle
Facts
Many interesting facts highlight Asha Parekh’s life beyond her on-screen persona.
- She has deep faith in Sai Baba.
- She began performing in stage shows at a young age, leading to her discovery by Bimal Roy.
- She faced rejection early in her career, demonstrating her resilience.
- She transitioned from leading roles to supporting roles, considering it a challenging phase.
- She served as president of the Cine Artistes’ Association and the first female chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification.
- She judged a TV reality show, “Tyohar Dhamaka.”
- She sold her bungalow to care for her ailing father.
- She runs a dance academy, “Kara Bhavan,” and is associated with Asha Parekh Hospital.
- Salman Khan launched her autobiography, “The Hit Girl,” written by Khalid Mohamed.
- She maintained close relationships with her co-stars, notably Shammi Kapoor and his family.
- She overcame a period of depression after her parents’ deaths, highlighting her strength and perseverance.
- She shares a strong friendship with Waheeda Rehman and Helen.
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