Asha Parekh was born in October 1942 to a middle-class Gujarati family. Her career as an actress started when she was a child and played a role in Aasmaan at the age of 10. This started off her career, which spanned for over 40 years in the industry with on and behind screen roles.
At the age of 16 she was casted alongside
Shammi Kapoor
in Nasir Hussain’s
Dil Deke Dekho
. The film was a major hit and helped establish Asha as a heroin in Bollywood. The success of the movie also prompted Hussain to sign her on for six more films. She was known in the industry as a glamour girl until director
Raj Khosla
signed her on for three films, which gave her a more serious role in which she excelled. The films included; Do Badan and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki, as she was provided with a more versatile role in these titles. Along with Hindi films Asha also starred in a few Gujarati films throughout her career.
In 2002, Filmfare presented Asha with a Lifetime Achievement award for her brilliant acting performances in over 90 films. She has received over 30 awards spanning over the 40 years of service in Indian cinema.
She now focuses on her dance academy, Kara Bhavan, and has also made a hospital after her own name in Mumbai.