The Untold Love Story Of Asha Parekh & Nasir Hussain

Asha Parekh is a legendary Bollywood actress who is still adored by many. Born on 2nd October, 1942 in Mumbai, Asha Parekh, who is now 74 years old is still unmarried. She claimed that her reputation of being unapproachable made people hesitate in asking for her hand in marriage.

In her memoir "The Hit Girl", Asha Parekh confirmed rumors that she was romantically involved with her married director Nasir Hussain but out of respect for both their families, she couldn't marry him.

She said she had not seen Nasir Hussain during the last year of his life, as he became reclusive because of his wife's death, but she did speak to him the day before he died in 2002.

Nasir Hussain was a Bollywood producer, director and screenwriter. The famous Bollywood movies that he wrote include Anarkali (1953), Munimji (1955) and Paying Guest (1957).

Asha Parekh was introduced by Nasir Hussain as a lead actress in his directorial venture 'Dil Deke Dekho' that was released in 1959. It starred Shammi Kapoor opposite Asha Parekh. The film was released around Asha Parekh's 17th birthday. Asha Parekh would be the lead in all of Hussain's films until Caravan (1971). Since Asha and Hussain worked together in many movies, their friendship blossomed into love, but they never made it public and chose to part ways when their families didn't agree with the relationship.

"Yes, Nasir Saab was the only man I ever loved. It would've been worthless to write an autobiography if I didn't write about the people who mattered in my life," Asha Parekh told news agency IANS, also crediting her co-author Khalid Mohammed for telling the story "so discreetly and gracefully."

Ms Parekh also revealed to IANS that she never had any intention of fracturing Nasir Hussain's home life. "I was never a homebreaker. There was never any ill will between me and Nasir Saab's family. In fact, I was so happy to see Nusrat (Hussain's daughter) and Imran at my book launch. I feel I've lived my life decently and without hurting anyone," Asha Parekh told IANS.

Nasir Hussain won Filmfare Best Screenplay Award for Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak in 1988 and Filmfare Best Movie Award for Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar in 1992.

Nasir Hussain's son Mansoor Khan is a director, and producer known for his directorial debut with the super-hit Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak.