After more than seventy years in the film industry, seasoned actress Asha Parekh reflects on her journey filled with triumphs and setbacks. In a candid discussion with actor Arbaaz Khan, she delves into past rumors of marriage with Shammi Kapoor and the complexities of her relationship with Shatrughan Sinha. This insightful retrospective was featured in an episode of The Invincibles Series Season 2, with the teaser released on Monday hinting at a compelling emotional rollercoaster.
In a nostalgic recount, the actress reminisced about a bygone era where it was common for actresses to partake in drinking, recounting a particular incident where her eyes were so bloodshot that she adamantly refused to shoot the following day.
Addressing the lingering speculations about her entanglement with co-star Shammi Kapoor, she humorously responded, “Yes, we were married.” Additionally, she shared a poignant anecdote when the illustrious Guru Dutt expressed skepticism to her mother about her potential as a leading lady.
The teaser also captures her reflections on the discord with Shatrughan, portraying a clash of wills where compromises were scarce. Moreover, she touched upon his regrettable remarks in the media, which she perceived as disparaging towards him rather than herself, “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,” she stated.
Following her appearance in the film ‘Kaalia’ in 1981, Asha Parekh significantly reduced her film commitments, eventually stepping away from acting altogether. Transitioning into television direction, she helmed the popular Gujarati series ‘Jyoti’ and established her production banner, Akruti. With Akruti, she oversaw the creation of acclaimed serials such as ‘Palash ke Phool,’ ‘Baaje Payal,’ ‘Kora Kagaz,’ and ‘Dal Mein Kaala.’ Notably, in 2008, she lent her expertise as a judge on the reality program ‘Tyohaar Dhamaaka.’
In the teaser, Asha candidly discussed the challenges of returning to acting following her hiatus, acknowledging the impact it had on her career without delving into specifics about the difficult period she endured.
Embarking on her illustrious acting journey at the tender age of 10 in the film ‘Aasmaan’ in 1952, Asha Parekh swiftly progressed to notable roles, including Bimal Roy’s ‘Baap Beti’ two years later. Her breakthrough as a lead actress came in Nasir Hussain’s 1959 venture ‘Dil Deke Dekho,’ where she shared the screen with Shammi Kapoor. Throughout her remarkable career spanning over five decades, Asha graced the silver screen in more than 95 films, leaving an indelible mark in classics like ‘Dil Deke Dekho,’ ‘Kati Patang,’ ‘Teesri Manzil,’ ‘Baharon Ke Sapne,’ ‘Pyar Ka Mausam,’ and ‘Caravan.’
In addition to her acting prowess, Asha’s multifaceted talents extended to directing and producing, notably with the well-received TV serial ‘Kora Kagaz’ that captivated audiences in the late 1990s. A trailblazer in her own right, she earned the distinction of being the first female chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from 1998 to 2001. Recognitions for her contributions poured in as she was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in 1992, followed by the esteemed Dadasaheb Phalke Award presented by President Droupadi Murmu at the 68th National Film Awards ceremony in 2022.
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