Legendary actor Asha Parekh, a stalwart in the Indian film industry for over seven decades, recently opened up about her illustrious career in a candid conversation with actor Arbaaz Khan. The discussion, part of The Invincibles Series Season 2, touched on her experiences, from industry rumors to personal challenges.
The promo for the episode, released on Monday, promises a heartfelt and emotional journey through Parekh’s life and career.
Journey Through Time
Parekh reminisced about a bygone era when “actresses enjoyed alcohol,” recounting an incident where her eyes were so red from drinking that she had to refuse shooting the next day. Addressing persistent rumors, she humorously confirmed, “Yes, we were married,” when discussing her alleged marriage to co-star Shammi Kapoor. She also shared an anecdote about Guru Dutt, a legendary filmmaker, who once doubted her potential as a heroine and communicated his skepticism to her mother.
The interview also delved into her strained relationship with actor Shatrughan Sinha. Parekh recalled, “It was like, let’s do just like the way I want. And then he gave some statements in the press, which were very derogatory to him, not to me.”
Transition and Achievements
After her role in the 1981 film Kaalia, Parekh significantly reduced her film projects and eventually stopped acting. She transitioned to television, directing the Gujarati serial Jyoti and producing successful series such as Palash ke Phool, Baaje Payal, Kora Kagaz, and Dal Mein Kaala under her production company, Akruti. In 2008, she appeared as a judge on the reality show Tyohaar Dhamaaka.
Reflecting on her hiatus from acting, Parekh admitted it was challenging. “It did impact me,” she said, though she refrained from discussing the difficult period in detail.
A Storied Career
Parekh began her acting journey at the age of 10 with the 1952 film Aasmaan, and two years later starred in Bimal Roy’s Baap Beti. She debuted as a leading lady in Nasir Hussain’s 1959 movie Dil Deke Dekho, opposite Shammi Kapoor. Over her five-decade career, she starred in more than 95 films, including classics like Kati Patang, Teesri Manzil, Baharon Ke Sapne, Pyar Ka Mausam, and Caravan.
As a director and producer, Parekh created the acclaimed TV serial Kora Kagaz in the late 1990s. She made history as the first female chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), serving from 1998 to 2001. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2022 by President Droupadi Murmu.
