Asha Parekh: The way I’ve seen marriages go, I think I’m lucky I got away

As she celebrates another birthday, Bollywood legend Asha Parekh reflects on life, friendship, and the glories of her cinematic journey as she sits down with ETimes for an exclusive conversation. From unforgettable hits to her close-knit circle of friends, she opens up about her choices, her experiences with co-stars, and why she’s content living life on her own terms.

Ashaji, what does another birthday mean to you?

It means I’m getting older (laughs). One by one, all my colleagues and friends are going. I lost my dear friends Sadhana, Nanda, and Shammi Aunty. Now, it’s just Waheeda, Helen, and me.

Your girl gang was unbreakable?

By God’s grace, I’ve been lucky with my friends. They have been with me all my life. After I lost my parents, my friends became my pillar of strength.

Do you miss not being married?

Not at all. The way I’ve seen marriages go, I think I’m lucky I got away. I never regretted not getting married

Do you miss your days of stardom?

Not really. I worked very hard while I was in demand. I quit when I was still going strong.

The hits just poured out?

(Laughs) God was kind. I didn’t have to face failure or rejection. I think I was the chosen one. The films just kept coming, and I was happy to be part of such successful projects.

Which ones are your favorites?

You mean from my own films? I liked myself in Caravan, Do Badan, Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki, Teesri Manzil, and Meri Surat Teri Aankhen. I also remember doing a song in Aasha, where the heroine was Vyjayanthimala. We became friends after that.

Your favorite co-stars?

They were all lovely to work with. But working with Shammi Chacha, that’s what I called Shammi Kapoor—Sunil Dutt, and Joy Mukherjee was a pleasure.


Joy once flung you on a bed so hard you were bedridden for a month?

(Laughs) Such things happen. It was while shooting for Love In Tokyo. Better a pain in the back than a pain in the neck. He was a wonderful co-star. Another I recall fondly is Guru Dutt. We worked together in Bharosa. He was an introvert, but I learned so much about cinema from him—a true genius.

When do we see you back on screen?

Not likely. I don’t want to play someone’s grandmother. I am happy leading my life the way I want to. The stardom was fun while it lasted.