Asha Parekh's views on love, beauty, and ageing gracefully

 

Screen legend Asha Parekh has never settled for the easy option. From proving her mettle as an actor to forgoing societal norms, Asha was decades ahead of her time. And she remains her sparkling self, a few months shy of her 80th birthday. When you first meet her, you instantly notice her poised demeanor, her self-assuredness, and her warmth. Asha started out as a child actor in the early 1950s, and has had one of the most successful careers in the film industry, spanning over four decades. In fact, she was believed to have the Midas touch, as most of her projects were mega-successful. It is no surprise, then, that she was bestowed with the title of ‘Jubilee Girl’. During her journey, Asha juggled many roles—actor, director, producer, and Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification...inspiring thousands to pursue their dreams.

 

For Bazaar India’s 13th Anniversary Issue, the multi-hyphenate, Padma Shri-awardee dons this season’s most precious jewels with equal ease and elegance. Read on to learn more about her...

 

Harper’s Bazaar: You have worked in over 70 films. Do you have a favourite amongst them? 

Asha Parekh: It is very difficult to pick one. To me, all my films are close to my heart... I chose to work in those movies, so I can’t pick one over the others.

HB: You began working in Bollywood in the ’50s. What are the changes you have noticed in the film industry since then? 

AP: It’s not just the movies, the whole world is changing rapidly. I think we are moving too fast, and we need to pause. There’s a need for a break, which I hope comes soon.

HB: Earlier, an actress’ career had an expiry date, post which she wasn’t considered a romantic interest. Do you see that changing today? 

AP: It is certainly changing for the better. Today, actors who are over 40 are being offered good roles... Some even have characters specifically written for them. During my time, we didn’t have so many opportunities.

 

HB: You chose to remain single at a time when women were expected to adhere to societal norms...

AP: Well, I guess I was not destined to get married. Honestly, I would have loved to get married and have children, but it wasn’t meant to be. However, I have absolutely no regrets.

HB: Has your definition of beauty changed over the years? 

AP: I have always believed—and continue to believe—that beauty resides within the person. If you are happy, you’ll shine...and if you are unhappy, it will show on your face.

HB: What do you think is the secret to happiness? 

AP: It has a lot to do with your attitude towards life. We must accept the lows along with the highs...only then can we live happily.

 

HB: Is there anything about the film industry today that you wish existed 50 years ago? 

AP: As I mentioned earlier, stars, especially actresses, get a lot more opportunities today. There are some wonderful films being made today, and actors have a lot of scope to showcase their talent.

HB: In the past, you have advised women to stay away from married men... 

AP: [Laughs] I think that when a married man goes astray, you should not blame the woman. It is not the woman’s fault, you know? So if you are married, I would advise you to refrain from infidelity.

HB: Who do you turn to for advice? 

AP: Quite a few people, actually. I often talk to Dr Dastur, a very close friend of mine. Then [actor] Waheeda Rehman ji...whom I admire a lot. I listen to her if she says something isn’t right. But I am open to taking advice from anyone...if it’s good advice, why not?

HB: What is the greatest life lesson you have learned? 

AP: To be patient. One has to have faith in God that you will succeed in life. And hard work is another important ingredient in the recipe to success.

Make-Up By: Tulsi Solanki

Hair By: Sukrin Rodrigues

Fashion Assistants: Shubham Jawanjal, Swanand Joshi, and Ankur Pathak

Production: Studio Little Dumpling

Photographs by: Omkar Chitnis

Styling by: Who Wore What When.