Parveen Babi Death Anniversary 2024: Zeenat Aman and Parveen were considered to be the most stylishly dressed actresses of the 1970s and 80s. They worked together in 'Ashanti' and 'Mahaan'
Parveen Babi and Zeenat Aman
Parveen Babi Death Anniversary 2024: She started her career in the creative world as a model in the year 1972 when she was all of 23. A year later she featured in the film 'Charitra' opposite cricketer Salim Durani, marking her debut as an actor. While the film bombed at the box office, Parveen Babi grabbed eyeballs with her stellar looks and undeniable charm.
Parveen Babi was known for being a fashion icon. And, throughout her career, she was thought of more as a glamorous heroine than a serious actress. However, she was recognised for her acting skills in 'Majboor' and became successful with movies like 'Deewar', 'Amar Akbar Anthony', and 'Namak Halaal'.
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However, at the peak of her career, Parveen Babi left the industry and was later diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. The yesteryear actress lived alone for most of her later years. Parveen Babi lived an extremely reclusive life, rarely making a public appearance. She died a lonely death at her Mumbai apartment on Jan 20, 2005. Twenty-four hours after she died, it was discovered that Parveen Babi had passed away.
On Parveen Babi's death anniversary today, we recall the time her Ashanti co-star Zeenat Aman spoke highly of her. Parveen and Zeenat were considered to be the most stylishly dressed actresses of the 1970s and 80s. They worked together in 'Ashanti' and 'Mahaan'.
Taking to Instagram last year on Parveen's birth anniversary, Zeenat shared a note and wrote about the resemblance between the two. "I'd like to remember and honour Parveen today, on her birthday. Parveen was gorgeous, glamorous and talented. Back in the 70s, we wore our hair in a similar manner and enjoyed Western fashion. Though neither of us saw it, we were told we had an uncanny resemblance. It must have been true, because as recently as last year I was approached in Dubai as 'Parveen ma'am'."
Zeenat further said, "Naturally, the media at the time spun tales of competition and rivalry between us, but in reality we were always warm towards each other. Not best friends, but contemporaries, colleagues and well wishers. We worked together on Ashanti and Mahaan."
Talking about the struggle and Parveen's mental illness, she said, "Parveen's struggle with mental illness came at a time when the country was still so insensitive and ignorant on these matters. After her death, I often ruminated on how she was remembered. The tabloids focused on her romantic relationships and 'episodes', but Parveen was much more than who she dated or what she said when she was unwell. I feel she never truly got the chance to say her piece."
Talking about her achievements, Zeenat said, "She was intelligent and hardworking and creative. She loved reading, and I remember her curled up with a book in between shots on sets. She achieved incredible success as an actor, even featuring on the cover of Time Magazine."
The actress further wrote, "Parveen was remarkable in many ways, and I hope she will be remembered for the effervescent person she was."
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