October birthdays in Bollywood: Celebs who turn a year older this month

Asha Parekh - October 2 Veteran actress Asha Parekh is a renowned Bollywood actress. Born in a middle-class Gujarati family, Asha was religiously inclined since an early age. Her mother enrolled her for Indian classical dance classes since childhood and she trained under many teachers including Pandit Bansilal Bharati. Asha started her career as a child artist in Aasmaan (1952). Since then, she has had a very successful career with hit films like Kati Patang, Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki, Love in Tokyo, Caravan, Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai and Do Badan to her credit. She was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1992, and was in news recently for receiving the Lifetime Achievement award at the closing ceremony of the fifth edition of the recently concluded Jagran Film Festival.

Vinod Khanna - October 6 He is considered as one of the most good looking Indian actors. Currently a Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Vinod was a popular actor during the '70s and '80s. Born to a businessman in Peshawar, Vinod Khanna shifted to Mumbai after India’s partition. Vinod made his debut in Man Ka Meet (1968) as a villain. Despite starting as a negative character, his popularity helped him bag solo lead roles as hero. He has several hits to his credit like Qurbani, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Chandni, Amar Akbar Anthony and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki. He continues to act in films and his recent outing saw him play the role of Salman Khan’s step-father in Dabangg. His sons Rahul and Akshaye Khanna are also Bollywood actors.

Rekha - October 10 She is the original diva of Indian cinema who is known for her gorgeous looks, enigmatic smile and bold onscreen roles. Rekha started her career in 1966 as a child actress in the film Rangula Ratnam, which won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu that year. Rekha is known to play strong female characters and apart from mainstream cinema, she has also done several challenging roles in art films. Her illustrious list of films include Khubsoorat, Khoon Bhari Maang, Umrao Jaan, Suhaag and Koi... Mil Gaya. She also won rave reviews for her performance in Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi. She has won several prestigious awards, including National Awards, and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2010 by the Government of India.

Amitabh Bachchan and Ronit Roy - October 11 Amitabh Bachchan is just not just an actor par excellence, he is a megastar and a legend in his own right. He is the son of famous poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and is married to Bollywood actress Jaya Bhaduri. Often referred to as Big B, he gained popularity with films like Deewar and Zanjeer, and was dubbed the angry young man due to his onscreen characters. Considered as one of the most influential and powerful actors in the history of Indian cinema, Amitabh was called a one-man industry by French director François Truffaut. He has had an illustrious career in both films as well as television. He has won several prestigious awards and was conferred with the Padma Shri in 1984 and the Padma Bhushan in 2001 by the Government of India. He shares his birthday with popular TV actor Ronit Roy, who was last seen in Karan Johar's 2 States.

Hema Malini - October 16 Renowned actress, Bharatanatyam dancer, politicianand producer, Hema Malini is indeed very versatile. Considered as one of the most gorgeous actresses of Indian film industry, Hema was often termed as Bollywood’s Dream Girl. She made her debut with Sapno Ka Saudagar (1968) and appeared in several blockbuster hits with actor Dharmendra and Rajesh Khanna. Some of her most memorable performances were Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Andaz, Lal Patthar and Aandhi Toofan. After taking a break from films post marriage, Hema made a comeback with Baghban in 2003. She is married to Bollywood actor Dharmendra. In the 2014 General Elections, Hema Malini emerged victorious after defeating incumbent Jayant Chaudhary of RLD from Mathura Lok Sabha constituency.

Simi Garewal and Sanjay Kapoor - October 17 Known for her looks, elegance and talent, Simi Garewal is a renowned film actress and a popular TV host. She is known for her performances in films such as Do Badan, Saathi, Mera Naam Joker, Siddhartha and Karz. Since she is mostly seen in white attire, she is also referred to as Lady in White. She shares her birthday with actor Sanjay Kapoor. Sanjay is producer Boney Kapoor and actor Anil Kapoor’s younger brother. He is known for films such as Raja, Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe, Qayamat: City Under Threat and Julie.

Om Puri - October 18 An actor who can carry off any role with ease, Om Puri has successfully juggled commercial, independent and art films. Born in Punjab to an Army officer, Om graduated from The Film and Television Institute of India. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious National School of Drama. He has given some spectacular performances in films such as Aakrosh, Sadgati, Ardh Satya and Dhoop. He has been conferred with many prestigious awards and was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.

Sunny Deol - October 19 He is the quintessential macho, action hero who has a huge female fan following. The Punjab da puttar is the son of Bollywood actor Dharmendra. Considered as one of the most successful actors of the '90s, Sunny has many hits to his credit. Some of his commendable films were Betaab, Tridev, Ghayal, Damini – Lightning, Ziddi and Border. He has won two Filmfare Awards as well as two National Awards. He is married to Pooja Deol and has always kept his personal life away from media glare.

Shammi Kapoor - October 21 Hailed as one of the most entertaining actors Hindi cinema has ever produced, Shammi Kapoor stole many hearts with his dance moves and harisma. He made his debut in with the film Jeevan Jyoti (1953) and appeared in several blockbusters like Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Dil Deke Dekho, Junglee, Kashmir Ki Kali, Janwar, Teesri Manzil, An Evening in Paris and Bramhachari. He is the son of Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsharni Kapoor, and is one of the most loved members of the Indian film fraternity. Unfortunately, he passed away on August 14, 2011 due to chronic renal failure. He was 79.

Parineeti Chopra - October 22 Actress Parineeti Chopra made her debut in Bollywood with Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (2011) and received rave reviews for her performance. She has been appreciated for her performances in films such as Ishaqzaade and Shuddh Desi Romance. After obtaining her triple honours degree (in business, finance and economics) from Manchester Business School, she joined Yash Raj Films as a public relations consultant and was signed by them for a three-film deal. She is Priyanka Chopra’s cousin and is also active in humanitarian work.

Raveena Tandon and Asin - October 26 Both actresses are known for their gorgeous looks, style quotient and talent. While Raveena made her debut in Patthar Ke Phool (1991) and was a leading actress in '90s and 2000s, Asin too has made her mark in Bollywood with films such as Ghajini, London Dreams and Housefull 2. Both the actresses have a huge fan following and have won many prestigious awards.