When you think of the Hindi film industry back in the 1970s, there were a handful of actresses who brought about a serious shift in pop culture. One of the actresses whose legacy continues even today is Parveen Babi. She left a huge impact on Bollywood with her eternal grace, charisma, elegance, and artistry.

The veteran actress delivered some blockbuster movies in her span of career. Having worked with legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, and Shashi Kapoor, among others, Parveen Babi's filmography is filled with classics that redefined cinema and the actress's place in the industry.

Despite her unfortunate death at the age of 50, she continues to be a legacy of someone who was way ahead of her time. On her birth anniversary, here are some interesting facts about the late actress that made her an exception among her contemporaries.

More about Parveen Babi's life

Before we tell you some interesting facts about the Amar Akbar Anthony actress, let's know a little more about her contribution to Hindi cinema.

Parveen Babi made her acting debut with her 1973 release, Charitra. However, it was Amitabh Bachchan's Deewar that made her rise to fame and become a household name.


Also Read: Urvashi Rautela To Be A Leading Part Of Parveen Babi Biopic

Known for her glamorous acting skills, the actress's fashion and modeling sense additionally established her as an icon.

The legendary veteran actress was unfortunately diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, a mental condition related to reoccurring episodes of misperception of reality. On January 25, 2002, she breathed her last due to multiple organ failure.

5 interesting facts about Parveen Babi

Let's move on to some interesting facts about the iconic actress who brought in a major shift and made heroines more than just an amenity in Bollywood.

1. The highest-paid actresses in the 1970s

The Shaan actress became one of the highest-paid actresses alongside Zeenat Aman. Coming from a modeling background, Parveen Babi carried an effortless aura and charisma that made her every director's first choice.

She went on to work with actors like Shatrughan Sinha, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, and Dharmendra, among others. A report by IndiaTimes suggests that Babi went on to become one of the highest-paid actresses of her time.

2. The first Indian to be featured in TIME Magazine

The 1970s and 1980s were the golden period for Bollywood, thanks to actresses like Parveen Babi. Her popularity and charismatic persona took no time for her to become an internationally loved icon.


She became the first Indian to be featured in TIME Magazine in 1976. She paved the way for Indian actresses to be recognized globally.

3. An American national

Parveen's last Bollywood film was the 1991 release of Iraada, starring Shatrughan Sinha and Moon Moon Sen. After quitting the industry, she took up American nationality and cut all ties with her contemporaries.

4. Parveen Babi, a fashion reformer

It was the Suhaag actress and Zeenat Aman who redefined fashion and broke all societal stereotypes, thus becoming the faces of young-urban India. Parveen introduced the concept of westernwear like gowns, skirts, crop tops, and beachwear.

Also Read: 5 Bollywood Actresses From The 70s Who Donned Bikini Look, Shattering All The Societal Norms


Coming from a modeling background, she boldly yet effortlessly carried this modern and chic fashion, thus paving the way for gender dynamics. Parveen looked equally mesmerizing in traditional attire, like sarees.

Referring to her sense of style, designer Manish Malhotra lauded her, saying, 'Parveen Babi brought minimalism into fashion. She was always impeccable, not overdoing it even once.'

5. The men in Parveen Babi's life

Throughout her career in movies, the actress dated several popular celebrities but never married anyone. She was in a relationship with actor Kabir Bedi and also went on to date filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt before she passed away.

The latter even went on to make a movie based on his ladylove's life. It was titled Woh Lamhe, starring Kangana Ranaut and Shiney Ahuja in the lead. Kangana's character, Sana Azim, was inspired by Parveen Babi.

The movie depicted her relationship with Mahesh Bhatt. The director even performed her last rites.