Om Books
International along with Taj Lands End, Mumbai, celebrated the launch of Asha
Parekh: The Hit Girl, An Autobiography with Khalid Mohamed, on 10thApril 2017.
The stunningly produced autobiography was launched by Chief Guest and Bollywood
superstar Salman Khan, who has written the Foreword to the book.
Present on the
occasion were two of Asha Parekh’s closest friend from the industry--Waheeda
Rehman and Helen, and some of her finest co-actors and heroes—Dharmendra,
Jeetendra. Among those present to grace the occasion were Imran Khan, Richa
Chadha, Jackie Shroff, Aruna Irani along with Anandji(Kalyanji-Anandji) &
Pyarelalji(Laxmikant-Pyarelal)
An interesting
discussion on the book with Chief Guest Salman Khan, co-authors Asha Parekh and
Khalid Mohamed, and Publisher, Ajay Mago, was moderated by Dipa Chaudhuri,
Chief Editor, Om Books International.
About the book
Asha Parekh,
an alumnus of Bombay’s The J.B. Petit Girls’ High School, devoted after-school
hours to learning classical dance from exacting gurus. Given a break as a
leading lady by Filmalaya Studio’s Sashadhar Mukherjee, she debuted opposite
Shammi Kapoor in the entertainer Dil Deke Dekho (1959). Instantly, the audience
and the critics agreed, “A star is born.” Followed a concatenation of silver
and golden jubilee hits, which established her as the quintessential Hit Girl.
Her
innumerable dance ballets on stage have earned her immense acclaim, at home and
overseas. Among her other facets, she has been involved since decades in
running a charitable hospital. She was Chairperson of the Central Board of Film
Certification (1998-2001) and has been associated with the Cine and TV
Artistes’ Associations and other organisations dedicated to the welfare of film
industry workers, technicians andactors. She turned producer and director with
several top TRP-rated TV serials like Kora Kagaz and Palash ke Phool. Currently
she has chosen to retire from acting, but adds, “Never say never.” She lives by
the famed Juhu shoreline in Mumbai.
About the
co-author
Khalid
Mohamed, co-author
During his stint
as film critic and media editor of The Times of India, and Filmfare editor,
Khalid Mohamed would frequently interview Asha Parekh, queen of the marquee who
had captured the public imagination right from the black-and-white movies to
the colourful holiday-mood entertainers. A single question, “So why haven’t you
attempted an autobiography yet?” led to Asha Parekh: The Hit Girl packed with
rare pictures, memorabilia and candid speak.
Ajay Mago,
Publisher, Om Books International: When Khalid Mohamed discussed this
autobiography with me, I simply said I do without blinking an eyelid. Asha
Parekh’s contribution to Bollywood, and therefore to a significant part of
India’s cultural history, remains undisputed. As the reigning queen of
Bollywood for nearly two decades, she brought grace, charm, wit, humour,
gravitas and pure entertainment to our lives through her string of hits. Need I
add that it is an honour for me that the runaway girl of Caravan gave Om Books
International another runaway success: Asha Parekh: The Hit Girl, An
Autobiography with Khalid Mohamed.
Khalid
Mohamed, co-author: The 1960s dominated by vibgyor entertainers — breezy
romances often located in hill towns — has been a special yet underrated decade
of Hindi cinema. Growing up in that decade also meant growing up on the gamine
charm and élan of Asha Parekh. Hence The Hit Girl was a god-sent opportunity to
look back at that era with affection and belated appreciation. I lucked out
that Asha Parekh agreed to the book without any procrastinations and allowed me
to trace her many-splendoured journey through the wonderworld of cinema.
Moreover, there were many little-known aspects of her personality and stardom
to discover on the way. In sum, it's been a thoroughly satisfying experience to
collaborate on the autobiography of a fine lady and an artiste.
Mr. Parveen
Chander, General Manager, Taj Lands End, Mumbai: We feel extremely honoured to
be given the opportunity to host the book launch of Asha Parekh: The Hit Girl,
An Autobiography with Khalid Mohamed. On
behalf of my entire team at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, I would like to wish Ms.
Parekh all the very best for this new development and continued success for all
her future endeavours.
Ravish Kapoor,
Innovative Invitations: It is such an honour to curate the invitation card for
the launch of Asha Parekh: The Hit Girl. I grew up watching her movies. She is
not only Loved in Tokyo but all over India for her classic portrayals in
Bollywood.
