GRACE & GLORY

One of the most influential Bollywood actors of the ’60s and ’70s, and the highest-paid of her time, Asha Parekh personifies elegance. For Bazaar India’s 13th Anniversary Issue, the 79-year-old icon talks about life lessons, the people she turns to for advice, and how the film industry has changed over the years, all while showcasing jewels du jour.

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 multihyphenate, 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.“