Bollywood’s golden age boasted many icons, but Parveen Babi’s glamour was unmatched. Her steamy screen romances with Amitabh Bachchan in hits like ‘Namak Halaal’ and ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ defined an era, drawing crowds with their undeniable spark.
From a pampered childhood in Junagadh (born 1949), Parveen faced early loss—her father died when she was five. Her resilient mother raised her in Ahmedabad, where she shone in academics, sports, and later English studies.
‘Charitra’ (1973) launched her, beauty outshining the flop. ‘Majboor’ revealed her acting prowess.
Eight films with Big B sealed her legacy: comic gold in ‘Amar Akbar Anthony,’ seductive charm in ‘Namak Halaal,’ gritty realism in ‘Kala Patthar,’ and thrills in ‘Shaan’ and ‘Deewaar.’ Fans raved about their chemistry, a mix of intensity and playfulness.
In 1976, Time magazine honored her as India’s top actress. Her 100-film career included stints with top stars, always memorable.
Private turmoil—from high-society links to emotional battles—culminated in her 1983 industry farewell and US exile. Discovered deceased in her Mumbai flat on January 20, 2005, Parveen left behind a void, her legacy enduring in classic reels.