New Delhi: Veteran actress Asha Parekh is to be honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, for her contribution to Indian cinema. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest award in the field of cinema. It is awarded to members of the film fraternity for their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
Asha Parekh, made her acting debut as a child artist at the age of ten with the 1952 film 'Maa'. She debuted as a heroine opposite Shammi Kapoor in the film 'Dil Deke Dekho' in 1959, that made her a huge star. Since then, there was no looking back for the actress who carved a niche for herself in the industry with her stellar performances and umpteen commercially successful films to her credit.
Asha Parekh was not only one of the most successful actresses of the 1960s and 1970s but also one of the highest paid actresses of her time.
According to an ANI tweet, this year, the Government of India has decided to honour the veteran actress with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for her contribution to Indian cinema as an actor, director and producer.
Along with several awards and accolades to her credit, Asha Parekh is also the recipient of Padma Shri that was awarded to her in the year 1992.
In her initial days, Asha Parekh established her image as a glamorous heroine and an excellent dancer in most of her films like 'Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai', 'Phir Wahi Dil Laya Hoon', 'Baharon Ke Sapne' and 'Pyaar Ka Mausam' among others.
The actress then proved her mettle and versatality with roles in tragedies like 'Do Badan', 'Chirag' and 'Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki'. Her performance in the Rajesh Khanna starrer 1970 film 'Kati Patang' is hailed as one of her most iconic and best performances of her acting career. She also won the Filmfare Award in the Best Actress category for the film.
Asha Parekh has also had an illustrious career as a television director and producer with some popular daily soaps like Renuka Shahane starrer 'Kora Kaagaz' to her credit.
The veteran actress held the chairperson's post of the Central Board Of Film Certification from 1998-2001 and became the first female to hold the position of the chairperson.