Asha Parekh, one of the most celebrated actresses of Indian cinema, has had a remarkable journey, full of interesting revelations and achievements:
1. **Early Start and Breakthrough**: Born on October 2, 1942, in a Gujarati family, Asha started as a child artist at the age of 10 under the screen name Baby Asha Parekh. Her first film was **Aasmaan (1952)**, but she shot to fame after being cast as the lead in **Dil Deke Dekho (1959)** opposite Shammi Kapoor, which marked the beginning of a successful career.
2. **Bollywood Queen of the 1960s and 70s**: Asha Parekh was one of the highest-paid actresses during her prime. She ruled the box office in the 1960s and 1970s, with many hits such as **Teesri Manzil (1966)**, **Kati Patang (1970)**, **Caravan (1971)**, and **Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971)**. Her graceful dancing skills were often highlighted, as she was a trained classical dancer.
3. **Iconic Roles and Versatility**: Known for playing diverse roles, Asha was particularly praised for her portrayal of strong women characters, including her performance in **Kati Patang** for which she won the Filmfare Best Actress Award. She is remembered for her glamorous yet innocent screen presence.
4. **Unmarried Life and Independence**: Asha Parekh made the personal decision to remain unmarried, a fact that intrigued many fans. She once mentioned in an interview that she had a long-standing relationship that didn’t culminate in marriage due to personal reasons. However, she always valued her independence and led a content and fulfilling life, finding joy in her work, friendships, and her passion for dance.
5. **Transition to a Producer and Director**: After her acting career, Asha transitioned to television production and direction. She founded her production company and made successful shows like **Kora Kagaz**. She also served as the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), maintaining a significant influence in the Indian film industry.
6. **Social Work and Recognition**: Aside from her career in films, Asha has also been an active philanthropist. She runs a hospital in Mumbai for underprivileged children, contributing to the community. In 1992, she was awarded the **Padma Shri** for her contribution to Indian cinema.
7. **Autobiography**: In 2017, Asha Parekh released her autobiography titled **”The Hit Girl”**, co-authored by film critic Khalid Mohamed. In the book, she opened up about her personal and professional life, sharing unknown facets of her journey, including her regrets, friendships in the industry, and her passion for dance.
These revelations highlight her as not just an actress but a multifaceted personality who gracefully navigated the highs and lows of stardom.
