Background and career
Asha Parekh (born 2 October 1942) is an Indian actress, film director and producer who has worked in more than 85 films in a career that has spanned over 40 years. In 1992, she was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India for her contribution to the field of cinema and was honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2020.
Parekh made her acting debut as a child in Maa (1952). As an adult, she appeared in Dil Deke Dekho (1959) and starred in several films in the 1960s and 1970, including Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961), Bharosa (1963), Ziddi (1964), Mere Sanam (1965), Teesri Manzil (1966), Love in Tokyo (1966), Do Badan (1966), Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966), Upkar (1967), Kanyadaan (1968), Shikar (1968), Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969), Sajan (1969), Chirag (1969), Aan Milo Sajna (1971), Kati Patang (1971), Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Caravan (1971), Samadhi (1972), Heera (1973), Udhar Ka Sindur (1976), Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978) and Kaalia (1981).
She won a Filmfare Award for Best Actress, and was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. Her autobiography, The Hit Girl, was published in 2017.
