Parveen Babi was not just an Indian film actress. She was a phenomenon who redefined the image of the modern Indian woman on screen. With her bold fashion choices, Westernized roles, and magnetic screen presence, she became one of the most talked-about celebrities in Bollywood during the 1970s and 1980s.
In this blog post, we explore the life, career, and legacy of Parveen Babi. From her early days in Gujarat to her rise as a fashion-forward icon in Indian cinema, this is the complete profile of a woman who lived life on her own terms.
Early Life and Upbringing
Parveen Babi was born on 4 April 1954 in Junagadh, Gujarat, into the Babi Dynasty, a noble Muslim family of Pashtun descent. She was the only child of Vali Mohammed Khan Babi, an administrator with the Nawab of Junagadh, and Jamal Bakhte Babi.
Her father passed away when she was just five years old. Parveen grew up in a 54-room haveli and attended Mount Carmel High School in Ahmedabad. Later, she studied at St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.
Despite her aristocratic background, Parveen was drawn to the world of fashion and entertainment. She began modeling in 1972 and quickly became a sought-after face in advertisements and magazines.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Parveen Sultana Babi |
| Nickname | Parveen |
| Alternative Names(s) | Parveen Wali Mohammad Khanji Babi |
| Date of Birth | 4 April 1949 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 75 (would be) |
| Religion | Muslim (by birth), Christian (converted) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Junagadh, Gujarat |
| Hometown | Junagadh, Gujarat |
| Current Address | Juhu, Mumbai (at time of death) |
| Education Qualification | B.A. English Literature |
| Hobbies and Interests | Piano, Painting, Reading |
| Languages Known | Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, English |
| Social Media Profiles link | Facebook , Instagram |
| Wikipedia Profile link | Parveen Babi – Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile link | Parveen Babi – IMDb |
| Website link | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Slim |
| Body Measurements | 34-25-35 inches |
| Height in feet, inches, cm | 5’7″, 170 cm |
| Weight in lbs, kg | 121 lbs, 55 kg |
| Chest | 34 inches |
| Waist | 25 inches |
| Biceps | N/A |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Hairstyle | Side flicks |
| Distinctive Features | Big eyes, fringe cut |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Parveen Babi never married, but her personal life was often in the spotlight. She had several high-profile relationships that made headlines across India.
- Father: Vali Mohammed Khan Babi (deceased)
- Mother: Jamal Bakhte Babi (deceased)
- Siblings: None
- Danny Denzongpa – Actor and her first known boyfriend
- Kabir Bedi – Actor and close friend
- Mahesh Bhatt – Filmmaker who later depicted their relationship in his films
- Amitabh Bachchan – Rumored affair, though never confirmed by him
Despite these relationships, Parveen remained single throughout her life. She once said that she never found the kind of love she truly needed.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Once married |
| Spouse – Husband | Unknown (moved to Pakistan) |
| Father | Vali Mohammed Khan Babi |
| Mother | Jamal Bakhte Babi |
| Children | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Affairs – Boyfriend(s) | Danny Denzongpa, Kabir Bedi, Mahesh Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, Siddharth Bhattacharjee |
| Significant Relationships | Mahesh Bhatt, Kabir Bedi, Danny Denzongpa |
Rise to Stardom
Parveen Babi made her acting debut in 1973 with the film Charitra, opposite cricketer Salim Durrani. Although the film did not perform well, her performance was noticed.
Her breakthrough came with Majboor (1974), where she starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan. This marked the beginning of a successful on-screen pairing that would dominate the box office for years.
She went on to star in several blockbuster films, including:
- Deewaar (1975)
- Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
- Kaala Patthar (1979)
- Shaan (1980)
- Namak Halaal (1982)
Parveen was known for playing glamorous, independent women—roles that were rare for Indian actresses at the time.
Parveen Babi – Selfie
Parveen Babi – Debut Film – Charitra
Parveen Babi – Successful Film – Namak Halaal
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Parveen Babi was one of the highest-paid actresses of her era. She appeared in over 70 films and worked with top actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Dharmendra, and Vinod Khanna.
- First Indian actress to appear on the cover of Time magazine (1976)
- Known for her Westernized roles and fashion-forward image
- Starred in 13 films with Amitabh Bachchan, 8 of which were major hits
- Retired from films in 1991 after her last movie Iraada
Although she did not receive many formal awards, her influence on Indian cinema and fashion remains unmatched.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actress, Model |
| Debut Film | Charitra (1973) |
| Notable Roles | Deewaar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Shaan, Kaalia, Namak Halaal |
| Recent Films – New Movies | Iraada (1991), Akarshan (1988), Avinash (1986) |
| Upcoming Films | N/A |
| Popular Television Series) | N/A |
| Awards and Achievements | TIME cover (1976), Fashion Icon, Highest-paid actress (1970s–80s) |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | N/A |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Parveen Babi Trust, Women & Children Welfare, Babi Community Support |
| Professional Associations | Babi Association (revived) |
| Training and Education | St. Xavier’s College, B.A. English Literature |
| Production Company | N/A |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Deewaar, Suhaag, Kaalia, Kranti, Namak Halaal |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Deewaar, Kaala Patthar, Majboor, Yeh Nazdeekiyan, Razia Sultan |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $400,000 (approx.) |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | $10,000–$20,000 (estimated) |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | N/A |
| Sponsorship Deals | N/A |
| Business Ventures | N/A |
| Investments | Bank deposits, jewelry |
| Real Estate Holdings ( | Juhu flat, Junagadh haveli |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Sea-facing flat, gold jewelry |
| Cars Collection | N/A |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Feroz Khan, Dilip Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar |
| Favorite Actress | Waheeda Rehman, Meena Kumari |
| Favorite Film | Deewaar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Kaalia |
| Favorite Music Bands | N/A |
| Favorite Sport | cricket |
| Favorite Books | Evam Indrajit, spiritual literature |
| Favorite Colour | Purple, Pearl shades |
| Favorite Food | Milk, Eggs (later life) |
| Things s/he like | Literature, Theatre, Fashion, Solitude |
| Things s/he dislike | Media intrusion, Betrayal, Fame pressure |
Top 5 Best Films – Parveen Babi
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Deewaar | 1975 | Anita |
| Amar Akbar Anthony | 1977 | Jenny |
| Namak Halaal | 1982 | Nisha |
| Kaalia | 1981 | Tina |
| Shaan | 1980 | Sunita (Journalist) |
Controversies – Parveen Babi
- Mental Health Struggles: Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, which led to erratic behavior and public incidents.
- Accusations Against Celebrities: Claimed that Amitabh Bachchan and others were conspiring to kill her.
- Airport Detention: Detained at JFK Airport in the USA for failing to produce identification and behaving abnormally.
- Court Petition: Filed a petition accusing global leaders and intelligence agencies of plotting her murder.
- Reclusive Lifestyle: Lived in isolation during her final years, refusing contact with the outside world.
Interesting Facts – Parveen Babi
- First Indian actress to appear on the cover of Time magazine.
- Converted to Christianity in her later years and requested a Christian burial.
- Known for her signature fringe haircut, which became a trend in the 1970s.
- Lived in a sea-facing flat in Juhu, Mumbai, and owned a haveli in Junagadh.
- Authored several articles on philosophy and spirituality.
- Inspired the character in Mahesh Bhatt’s film Woh Lamhe (2006), played by Kangana Ranaut.
Parveen Babi was more than just a glamorous Indian actress. She was a trailblazer, a fashion icon, and a symbol of modern womanhood in Indian cinema. Her life was filled with highs and lows, but her legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and fans.
From her bold roles to her tragic end, Parveen Babi remains one of the most unforgettable figures in Bollywood history. Her story is a reminder of the price of fame and the strength it takes to live life on your own terms.
