Remembering Parveen Babi: Five Fascinating Facts About the Bollywood Icon
On the Birth Anniversary of the Glamorous Star, Delve into Her Intriguing Life
Parveen Babi, a legendary figure in Bollywood, left an indelible mark on the industry with her talent, style, and charisma. As we commemorate her birth anniversary, let’s uncover some captivating facts about her life, setting her apart from her contemporaries.
1. Among the Highest Paid Female Actors of Her Time Parveen Babi was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and achieving remarkable success. She stood as one of the highest paid female actors during her era, rivaling the likes of Zeenat Aman. Her presence graced many iconic films alongside stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor, and Shatrughan Sinha.
2. First Indian to Grace the Cover of TIME Magazine
In 1972, Parveen Babi transitioned from a successful modelling career to the world of cinema. Her magnetic appeal and star power caught the eye of TIME Magazine, making her the first Indian to grace its illustrious cover. It was a testament to her global impact and widespread recognition.
3. Adopting American Nationality Following her final Bollywood appearance in the film “Iraada” (1991), alongside Shatrughan Sinha and Moon Moon Sen, Parveen Babi bid farewell to her acting career. Subsequently, she embraced American nationality, marking a new chapter in her life beyond the silver screen.
4. Fashion Icon and Trendsetter Alongside Zeenat Aman, Parveen Babi revolutionized Bollywood fashion, introducing a blend of Western styles and traditional Indian attire. From elegant gowns to chic crop tops, she effortlessly carried diverse looks, inspiring generations of fashion enthusiasts. Renowned designer Manish Malhotra hailed her for bringing a touch of minimalism and timeless elegance to the industry.
5. Immortalized in “Woh Lamhe” While speculations of a recent biopic on her life circulated, Mahesh Bhatt paid homage to Parveen Babi with “Woh Lamhe” in 2006. Directed by Mohit Suri, the film starred Shiney Ahuja and Kangana Ranaut, with Kangana portraying a character inspired by Parveen Babi. It offered a poignant glimpse into the legendary actor’s life and her relationship with Bhatt himself.
Parveen Babi continues to remain an icon of grace, talent, and timeless allure, leaving an indelible legacy in the hearts of cinephiles worldwide.