Asha Parekh’s Kati Patang co-star Rajesh Khanna was ‘afraid’ of her

Veteran actress Asha Parekh is a name that needs no introduction. Over the course of her remarkable, decades-long career, she has delivered numerous hits and shared the screen with some of the biggest stars of her time. Her notable collaborations include her work with Rajesh Khanna, with whom she starred in several successful films including Kati Patang, Baharon Ke Sapne, Aan Milo Sajna And Dharm Aur Qanoon. But did you know that Rajesh Khanna was actually afraid of the veteran star in the early days of his career?

During an earlier appearance on Indian Idol, she recalled their first film together: Baharon Ke Sapne. Asha Parekh described Rajesh Khanna as an “introvert” who was hesitant to interact with others. “He was afraid of me. Because he had just started his career, he was just a little hesitant. One day he looked at me and turned his face, making me feel very bad. I said, ‘No dates.’ After that.”, he was insulted. Then he called me and said I didn’t mean it. He said it was because he was afraid of me.

Asha Parekh began her professional career in the late 1950s. She made her acting debut in 1959 with the film Aasmaan Mahal. During the 1960s and 1970s, Asha starred in numerous successful films including: Dil Deke Dekho (1959), Kati Patang (1970), Baazi (1968), Aan Milo Sajna (1970) And Kora Kagaz (1974) among other things.

After peaking in films, Asha Parekh moved to television in the 1980s. She directed Jyoti (1987)a popular Gujarati television series that marked her entry into television production. She then founded her production company Akruti, under which she produced various successful television series such as Palash Ke Phool, Baaje Payal, Kora Kagaz And Dal Mein Kaala.

In 2008, Asha Parekh appeared as a judge on the reality show Tyohaar Dhamaaka. Her contributions have earned her several awards including the prestigious Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.