Udaipur, April 8, 2025: According to many film critics, Parveen Babi brought a Western touch to Indian cinema. She was at the peak of her fame in the 1980s. In terms of body language and clothing, she was far ahead of her time and her fellow actresses. She could easily create magic on screen with all the top heroes of that era. However, the complications in her personal relationships slowly pushed her into addiction and mental illness. April 4 was Parveen Babi's birthday. Through this article, we will share 10 lesser-known truths about Bollywood’s most mysterious diva.

Born in Gujarat, Lost Her Father at Age 5

Parveen Babi was born on April 4, 1954, in Junagadh, Gujarat. She was the only child of her parents. Sadly, she lost her father when she was just 10 years old. Her maternal family was the renowned Babai Dynasty which was Pashtun in origin ruling various kingdoms and later princely states in India. Her full name was Parveen Sultana Wali Mohammad Khanji Babi. Hence she took her surname from her maternal side.

A Bright Student and English Graduate

She completed her schooling at Mount Carmel High School in Ahmedabad and graduated in English from St. Xavier's College, also in Ahmedabad.

More Talked About in Death Than Life

There isn’t much discussion about her birthday on social media or in the news. However, her sudden death is often remembered. On January 20, 2005, her body was found three days after she died in her apartment. She died alone, taking many secrets with her.

First Indian Actress on Time Magazine Cover

Parveen Babi made history by being the first Bollywood actress to appear on the cover of Time magazine. She was featured in the European edition on July 19, 1976.

Successful Career with Top Heroes

Parveen started her career as a model in 1972 and entered films soon after. Her first film, Charitra was released in 1973. She gained fame with Deewar (1975), where she starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor. She later appeared in superhit films like Namak Halal, Amar Akbar Anthony, and Shaan.

Many Love Affairs, but No Happy Ending

Parveen was first linked with actor Danny Denzongpa, then with Kabir Bedi. Both relationships ended, leaving her heartbroken. Later, she was in a serious relationship with director Mahesh Bhatt, who was already married. Their love story became one of Bollywood’s most talked-about topics. Mahesh has openly spoken about their relationship.

Sudden Disappearance

In 1983, at the peak of her career, Parveen suddenly disappeared from Bollywood. She returned in 1989, and several of her previously shot films were released during this time. Her film Irada released in 1991 was her final contribution to Bollywood.

Struggled with Mental Illness

Parveen suffered from a condition called paranoid schizophrenia. Mahesh Bhatt once found her hiding in a corner of her house, holding a knife. She believed someone was trying to kill her and even thought Amitabh Bachchan was part of that plan. Despite this, she never admitted her illness or took treatment willingly. Parveen Babi breathed her last on January 20, 2005 at the young age of 50.

Fear of Poison and Being Murdered

In the 1990s, when journalists came to interview her, she made them eat and drink first, fearing her food was poisoned. She believed people were trying to harm her and often refused medicines, thinking it was part of a conspiracy.

Mahesh Bhatt’s Eternal Love and Tribute

Though Mahesh Bhatt left the relationship in 1980, he always cared for Parveen. He made films like Arth (1982) and Woh Lamhe (2006), inspired by their love story. When she died, Mahesh was the first to come forward to take care of her funeral. In his words, “Thank you, Parveen, for touching my life. Where would I be without you?”