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When discussing the most fearless and glamorous heroines of Bollywood, Parveen Babi tops the list. Known for her bikini looks, on-screen cigarette scenes, and glass-in-hand confidence, she broke the stereotypical mould of Hindi film heroines in the 1970s and 80s. Her style and persona remain an inspiration even two decades after her death.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Parveen Babi debuted in ‘Chaitra’ (1973) opposite cricketer Salim Durrani. Though the film flopped, she gained recognition for her screen presence. Her real breakthrough came with ‘Deewar’ (1975), where she starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan, and soon became one of the most sought-after leading ladies in Bollywood.
Personal Life and High-Profile Relationships
Her personal life often made headlines. Parveen was in relationships with:
- Danny Denzongpa (4 years)
- Kabir Bedi
- Mahesh Bhatt
Born into a Muslim family in Gujarat in 1954, Parveen reportedly converted to Christianity in the late 1990s, a personal decision that sparked public curiosity and debate.
The Onset of Schizophrenia
Parveen’s glittering career was abruptly impacted by paranoid schizophrenia in the early 1980s. She began showing signs of paranoia, isolation, and erratic behaviour. The illness affected both her career and personal relationships. She left India to seek spiritual healing in the United States, where she spent time under the guidance of a spiritual mentor.
A Tragic and Lonely End
On January 20, 2005, Parveen Babi was found dead in her Mumbai apartment, with the cause listed as multiple organ failure. Shockingly, her body was discovered three days after her passing, already decomposing. The door had to be broken due to the foul smell. Reports indicated she had no close companions in her final days.
Although her last wish was to be buried according to Christian customs, her Muslim relatives claimed the body and buried her under Islamic rites.
