ZIDDI ASHA

Asha Parekh has always been one of my favourite stars, partly because she brought strength to her roles, something extra deep and definitely because of her classic and graceful style. I adored her for her panache as she carried off those tight-fitting kurtas, with matching jewellery, and puffed-up hair with flowers as she traipsed on hills with her male costars. The Jubilee Girl who has given the maximum number of hits from that era was the highest paid among her colleagues and was considered lucky was also a notable dancer. Asha was the first female Chairperson of the Censor Board. She is the founder of the Asha Parekh Hospital in Santacruz and was the Director and producer of hit TV shows like Kora Kagaz and Kangan.

On-screen and off-screen she has charted her own path beyond the stardom and refused to be boxed in by narrow definitions.

From her first film opposite Shammi Kapoor- Dil deke Dekho Asha was confident and created magic in the hands of Nasir Hussain, going on to star in hit movies like Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, Teesri Manzil, Baharon Ke Sapne, Pyar Ka Mausam and Caravan. She was glamour personified, wooing the audience with her gorgeous eyes, sense of style, pouting lips and irresistible charm. But then in films like Badan, Chirag, Main Tulsi tere aangan ki, Pagla kahin ka and Kati Patang she showcased her talents as a consummate actress. Asha was not just considered lucky but also shared great chemistry with all her heroes, holding her own among the male stars and male-dominated films. Asha could carry off any role with aplomb, she could be comic, defiant, tragic, romantic- everything that the screen demanded of her. She worked with all the stars and made many heroes into stars. She got along well with all her colleagues too remaining friends with Waheeda and Helen even today and Nanda till her last breath. Asha Parekh remains graceful, beautiful and charming and as one looks at her even today the Ziddi Asha peeps through from the sparkling eyes.