Asha Parekh was born on October 2, 1942, in Mumbai, India, into a middle-class Gujarati family. Her father, Pranlal Parekh, was Hindu, while her mother, Sudha Parekh, was a Bohri Muslim. Asha began her career as a child artist in the 1952 film "Maa" and later gained fame as a leading actress in the 1960s and 1970s. She is known for her roles in iconic films such as "Kati Patang," "Teesri Manzil," and "Mere Sanam." Over her illustrious career spanning more than four decades, she appeared in over 85 films and received numerous accolades, including two Filmfare Awards and the prestigious Padma Shri in 1992. Asha has never married and has openly discussed her long-term relationship with director Nasir Hussain, whom she referred to as the "only one and true love" of her life. Despite their deep connection, their romance remained unfulfilled due to his existing family commitments. Asha Parekh has also made significant contributions to television as a director and producer.