Asha Parekh

🪔 About

Asha Parekh, born on October 2, 1942, in Santa Cruz, Mumbai, is a celebrated Indian actress and an accomplished classical dancer. Her mother, Sudha Parekh, was keen on her learning dance from a very young age, enrolling her in classical dance classes. Parekh received rigorous training in various Indian classical dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi. She trained under esteemed instructors such as Pandit Bansilal Bharati. By the tender age of ten, she was already performing in live recitals, showcasing her command over classical techniques, particularly in Bharatanatyam and Kathak, on stage prior to her film debut. These early dance performances were pivotal, as they caught the eye of filmmaker Bimal Roy, leading to her debut as a child artist in "Maa" (1952). This expertise in dancing was instrumental in her gaining a foothold in the film industry. Throughout her illustrious acting career, which spanned over four decades and saw her star in over 90 films, Parekh sustained her classical dance practice, often scheduling live dance performances alongside film commitments. Her roles frequently highlighted her dancing prowess, making her one of the few dancing actresses of Hindi cinema with special dance numbers choreographed for her. After retiring from acting, Parekh continued her dedication to dance by founding and actively concentrating on her dance academy, Kara Bhavan, located in Mumbai. Through Kara Bhavan, she aims to preserve and promote Indian classical dance traditions. She has also been vocal about her concerns regarding modern dance in films, stating that contemporary styles often resemble aerobics rather than traditional Indian dance, and emphasizing the rich and diverse dance heritage of India. Her significant contributions to Indian cinema and arts have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2020. Awards & Honours: Gujarat State Award for Best Actress (1963), Filmfare Award for Best Actress (1971), Padma Shri (1992), Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (2002), Kalakar Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award (2004), International Indian Film Academy Awards (2006), Pune International Film Festival Award (2007), Ninth Annual Bollywood Award (2007), Living Legend Award from FICCI, Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2020), Reels Legend Award (2026).