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Parveen Babi
‘Raat baaki, baat baaki… Hona hai jo, ho jaane do…’
Sensuous, glamorous and bold, Parveen Babi set the Hindi cinema screen ablaze during the 1970s and ’80s, breaking the ‘pious, nice girl’ mould of the film heroine and redefining it after her own style. On screen, she sizzled in unforgettable roles in blockbusters like Deewaar, Shaan, Kaalia and Amar Akbar Anthony – while, off-screen, her bohemian and unabashed lifestyle lit up gossip columns, and her appearance on the cover of Time magazine, a first for an Indian, created a stir nationwide. Yet, for all the sensational rumours and films her life inspired, Parveen has remained something of an enigma to generations of fans.
In Parveen A Life, Karishma Upadhyay traces the journey of a shy but ambitious girl from an aristocratic family in Junagadh, Gujarat, to a life of merciless scrutiny that comes with being in the Bollywood spotlight. Exploring with depth and sensitivity the myriad facets of the actress’s life, she lays bare little-known details about Parveen’s doomed romances, her obsession with the spiritual guide who advised her to quit films, the tumultuous years of battling mental illness and her tragic, untimely demise.
Rich with insights from the star’s friends, former lovers and colleagues, this compelling narrative captures the nuances of an extraordinary life – the highs and lows of finding fame, love and solace, and then, in the end, losing it all.
Sensuous, glamorous and bold, Parveen Babi set the Hindi cinema screen ablaze during the 1970s and ’80s, breaking the ‘pious, nice girl’ mould of the film heroine and redefining it after her own style. On screen, she sizzled in unforgettable roles in blockbusters like Deewaar, Shaan, Kaalia and Amar Akbar Anthony – while, off-screen, her bohemian and unabashed lifestyle lit up gossip columns, and her appearance on the cover of Time magazine, a first for an Indian, created a stir nationwide. Yet, for all the sensational rumours and films her life inspired, Parveen has remained something of an enigma to generations of fans.
In Parveen A Life, Karishma Upadhyay traces the journey of a shy but ambitious girl from an aristocratic family in Junagadh, Gujarat, to a life of merciless scrutiny that comes with being in the Bollywood spotlight. Exploring with depth and sensitivity the myriad facets of the actress’s life, she lays bare little-known details about Parveen’s doomed romances, her obsession with the spiritual guide who advised her to quit films, the tumultuous years of battling mental illness and her tragic, untimely demise.
Rich with insights from the star’s friends, former lovers and colleagues, this compelling narrative captures the nuances of an extraordinary life – the highs and lows of finding fame, love and solace, and then, in the end, losing it all.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
Hardcover
Published August 20, 2020
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August 31, 2020Bollywood biographies are notoriously difficult to write (ask me!). There's very little archival material, while conflicting memories and tight-lipped bystanders make construction of events a very dicey proposition. Parveen Babi as a subject - with her short but volatile career marred by mental afflictions - makes this exercise even more problematic.
However, Karishma Upadhyay does a great job of chronicling Parveen Babi's life through extensive study of available material and interviewing a massive list of people who were close to the star. The story that emerges is a testament to both her attention to detail and interviewing skills. From Parveen Babi's childhood friends to the police officer who discovered her dead body, it includes almost everyone of consequence.
The people closest to Parveen are brutally honest about their treatment of the star and the star's treatment of them. Danny Denzongpa, Kabir Bedi and Mahesh Bhatt paint an intricate portrait of Babi's rise to and fall from stardom, and their role in it.
Parveen Babi was a mesmerising presence in some of the biggest blockbusters of her times and this biography does a smooth retelling of that magical period and how she conquered Bollywood with a mix of sincerity and talent, playing to her strengths.
Apart from being a intriguing portrait of 1970s and 1980s Bollywood, the biography is also an unflinching look at mental diseases and how they are treated with ridicule and disdain in India. While describing the telltale signs of Parveen Babi's disease from the 1960s, the book actually serves as a reminder that we - as a society - haven't changed even now.
Parveen Babi: A Life is an amazing rollercoaster of a book. While recounting the heady 1970s, it is still a clear-eyed view of the actress' careening film career lost at the altar of a brutal industry and an uncomprehending society.
However, Karishma Upadhyay does a great job of chronicling Parveen Babi's life through extensive study of available material and interviewing a massive list of people who were close to the star. The story that emerges is a testament to both her attention to detail and interviewing skills. From Parveen Babi's childhood friends to the police officer who discovered her dead body, it includes almost everyone of consequence.
The people closest to Parveen are brutally honest about their treatment of the star and the star's treatment of them. Danny Denzongpa, Kabir Bedi and Mahesh Bhatt paint an intricate portrait of Babi's rise to and fall from stardom, and their role in it.
Parveen Babi was a mesmerising presence in some of the biggest blockbusters of her times and this biography does a smooth retelling of that magical period and how she conquered Bollywood with a mix of sincerity and talent, playing to her strengths.
Apart from being a intriguing portrait of 1970s and 1980s Bollywood, the biography is also an unflinching look at mental diseases and how they are treated with ridicule and disdain in India. While describing the telltale signs of Parveen Babi's disease from the 1960s, the book actually serves as a reminder that we - as a society - haven't changed even now.
Parveen Babi: A Life is an amazing rollercoaster of a book. While recounting the heady 1970s, it is still a clear-eyed view of the actress' careening film career lost at the altar of a brutal industry and an uncomprehending society.
September 3, 2020
Just finished reading a book by Karishma Upadhyay “Parveen Babi - A Life”. What an amazing book! I don’t have words to describe how well the book is written. Well researched. It was not a gossipy, voyeuristic book
I was scared that it would be salacious gossip but,this book is refreshingly everything, but that. What breaks my heart is that the film industry had an Illustrated Weekly column of 1980’s, written by Parveen, documenting her mental illness and it was 40 years back!
I loved the way the author built Parveen’s mental illness into the life journey, without stigmatising it. What an intelligent, beautiful mind and it broke my heart as the book was nearing its end... a tragedy that another life was snuffed out due to untreated mental illness.
Nothing, nothing has changed on the conversation or stigma around mental illness since then. It seems unbelievable but sadly true. It’s feels weird that one of the key characters in Parveen’s life is also embroiled in Sushants life on a similar topic of mental illness
Parveen’s professionalism, her quote on competition and her always being dignified/rising above pettiness when dealing with professional colleagues, despite being dropped from films really was a great takeaway.
A great book. Really altered the perception, misconceptions and mystery surrounding Parveen Babi.
Must read!
I was scared that it would be salacious gossip but,this book is refreshingly everything, but that. What breaks my heart is that the film industry had an Illustrated Weekly column of 1980’s, written by Parveen, documenting her mental illness and it was 40 years back!
I loved the way the author built Parveen’s mental illness into the life journey, without stigmatising it. What an intelligent, beautiful mind and it broke my heart as the book was nearing its end... a tragedy that another life was snuffed out due to untreated mental illness.
Nothing, nothing has changed on the conversation or stigma around mental illness since then. It seems unbelievable but sadly true. It’s feels weird that one of the key characters in Parveen’s life is also embroiled in Sushants life on a similar topic of mental illness
Parveen’s professionalism, her quote on competition and her always being dignified/rising above pettiness when dealing with professional colleagues, despite being dropped from films really was a great takeaway.
A great book. Really altered the perception, misconceptions and mystery surrounding Parveen Babi.
Must read!
September 3, 2020
It Is Truly Hard To Imagine That The Author Karishma Upadhyay Never Got To Meet Parveen Babi In Her Lifetime And Yet She Has Successfully Penned Such A True To Life Fascinating Biography That Not Just Keeps The Readers Truly Engrossed But Actually Leaves Them With Lots To Contemplate About.
For Too Long Now Parveen Babi Had In Her Death As In Her Lifetime Been A Disturbing Enigma But It Is The Loneliness And Pain She Was Surrounded By Each Time Her Relationships Ended And Left Her Scarred Even Deeper Is What Lingers On With The Readers Long After This Biography Has Been Soaked Into The Psyche Thanks To It’s Mesmerising Presentation.
Having Been A Film Journalist Herself And With So Much Having Been Written About Parveen Babi In Her Lifetime, It Must Indeed Have Been A Daunting Task To Separate The Fiction And Stick To The Hard Facts No Matter How Disturbing Or Painful They Came Across To The Reader. The Challenge Couldn’t Have Been Easy For Karishma Upadhyay But She Did Such A Fascinating Job Is Amply Evident Once The Reader Delves Deeper & Deeper Into This Engrossing Read As It Reflects On All That Went Wrong With Parveen Babi Long Before Her Life Went Into A Nose Dive From Which Sadly She Could Never Recover.
An Absolute Must Read For Anybody Who Is Fascinated By Bollywood In General And Has Always Thirsted To Unravel The Mystery That Shrouded Parveen Babi Like A Thick Blanket Of Fog.
Having Seen Parveen Babi Blossom In Bollywood Right Upto That Ugly Moment When She Was Terrified Even Of Her Lonely Shadows That Had Started To Haunt Her. One Is Truly Glad That It Had To Be Someone Of The Caliber Of Karishma Upadhyay Who Got To Do Befitting Justice To The Memory Of Parveen Babi With This Biography That Is A Perfect Tribute To A Star Who Rose To Peaks Of Excellence Before Plunging Into The Painful Depths Of Oblivion.
Truly Indeed Parveen Babi : A Life Is A Treasure Trove Of A Biography For All Her Fans & Admirers Alike Who Miss Her Even Today!!!
For Too Long Now Parveen Babi Had In Her Death As In Her Lifetime Been A Disturbing Enigma But It Is The Loneliness And Pain She Was Surrounded By Each Time Her Relationships Ended And Left Her Scarred Even Deeper Is What Lingers On With The Readers Long After This Biography Has Been Soaked Into The Psyche Thanks To It’s Mesmerising Presentation.
Having Been A Film Journalist Herself And With So Much Having Been Written About Parveen Babi In Her Lifetime, It Must Indeed Have Been A Daunting Task To Separate The Fiction And Stick To The Hard Facts No Matter How Disturbing Or Painful They Came Across To The Reader. The Challenge Couldn’t Have Been Easy For Karishma Upadhyay But She Did Such A Fascinating Job Is Amply Evident Once The Reader Delves Deeper & Deeper Into This Engrossing Read As It Reflects On All That Went Wrong With Parveen Babi Long Before Her Life Went Into A Nose Dive From Which Sadly She Could Never Recover.
An Absolute Must Read For Anybody Who Is Fascinated By Bollywood In General And Has Always Thirsted To Unravel The Mystery That Shrouded Parveen Babi Like A Thick Blanket Of Fog.
Having Seen Parveen Babi Blossom In Bollywood Right Upto That Ugly Moment When She Was Terrified Even Of Her Lonely Shadows That Had Started To Haunt Her. One Is Truly Glad That It Had To Be Someone Of The Caliber Of Karishma Upadhyay Who Got To Do Befitting Justice To The Memory Of Parveen Babi With This Biography That Is A Perfect Tribute To A Star Who Rose To Peaks Of Excellence Before Plunging Into The Painful Depths Of Oblivion.
Truly Indeed Parveen Babi : A Life Is A Treasure Trove Of A Biography For All Her Fans & Admirers Alike Who Miss Her Even Today!!!
March 5, 2021
Full review here : Books and Conversations
Parveen Babi was a huge star in Bollywood during the 1970's-1980's. That's all I knew about her when I picked up this book. This piqued my interest to learn her story. As an inquisitive reader, I am disappointed. But I am also trying to look at the writer's challenges to write an autobiography of a deceased person.
Parveen isn't here to tell her story. That's clear. But when I turned that last page, I knew there was something missing. Even though Ved Sharm's son highlighted how nice Babi was, it isn't enough.
Parveen Babi's life is reduced to her mental condition and obsession with Amitabh Bacchan. Except for one or two people, nobody confirmed this obsession or infatuation.
Back then knowledge about depression, mental illnesses and the seriousness of it did not exist. What angered me the most was Mahesh Bhatt's treatment and justification of his actions. It suddenly felt so male-centric. I couldn't wait for his account of how things happened to end.
I applaud the author's efforts to piece a story, a legend so old, together. It was heartbreaking to read. I wished so hard that Babi had someone, anyone, to hug her and help her more than they thought they could. Of course, people like Danny Denzongpa, Kiran Bedi, Ved Sharma, UG and Mahesh Bhatt know what the situation was and their response was only limited to how much Babi would accept from them, yet, it felt difficult to digest the reality presented from their perspective.
I will be honest and say that her episodes are written in great detail. Be ready for that if you are reading this. I had a terrible nightmare and woke up with goosebumps and slept with the light on, for the first time in a long time.
I recommend the book but also request you to remember that the power of the truth and story-telling is limited to whatever has been penned down.
Parveen Babi might have been so much more but maybe all of it went undiscovered. Not just in the book, but during her lifetime too.
I cannot judge an autobiography. That would be wrong. The author took three years to research and write this book. The story is one-sided and greatly dependent on Babi's interviews. The conversations with her boyfriends of the past, people from her entourage and friends are included. But the reader has to constantly remember because you will not be reminded, that these are just perspectives and memories of how Babi was. Babi isn't here to complete the story. I judged the book cover. I think a better job could've been done. The cover has a specific significance that readers will learn about in the book. There images from the past in the book that helps readers put a face to certain names and movie titles.
Parveen Babi was a huge star in Bollywood during the 1970's-1980's. That's all I knew about her when I picked up this book. This piqued my interest to learn her story. As an inquisitive reader, I am disappointed. But I am also trying to look at the writer's challenges to write an autobiography of a deceased person.
Parveen isn't here to tell her story. That's clear. But when I turned that last page, I knew there was something missing. Even though Ved Sharm's son highlighted how nice Babi was, it isn't enough.
Parveen Babi's life is reduced to her mental condition and obsession with Amitabh Bacchan. Except for one or two people, nobody confirmed this obsession or infatuation.
Back then knowledge about depression, mental illnesses and the seriousness of it did not exist. What angered me the most was Mahesh Bhatt's treatment and justification of his actions. It suddenly felt so male-centric. I couldn't wait for his account of how things happened to end.
I applaud the author's efforts to piece a story, a legend so old, together. It was heartbreaking to read. I wished so hard that Babi had someone, anyone, to hug her and help her more than they thought they could. Of course, people like Danny Denzongpa, Kiran Bedi, Ved Sharma, UG and Mahesh Bhatt know what the situation was and their response was only limited to how much Babi would accept from them, yet, it felt difficult to digest the reality presented from their perspective.
I will be honest and say that her episodes are written in great detail. Be ready for that if you are reading this. I had a terrible nightmare and woke up with goosebumps and slept with the light on, for the first time in a long time.
I recommend the book but also request you to remember that the power of the truth and story-telling is limited to whatever has been penned down.
Parveen Babi might have been so much more but maybe all of it went undiscovered. Not just in the book, but during her lifetime too.
I cannot judge an autobiography. That would be wrong. The author took three years to research and write this book. The story is one-sided and greatly dependent on Babi's interviews. The conversations with her boyfriends of the past, people from her entourage and friends are included. But the reader has to constantly remember because you will not be reminded, that these are just perspectives and memories of how Babi was. Babi isn't here to complete the story. I judged the book cover. I think a better job could've been done. The cover has a specific significance that readers will learn about in the book. There images from the past in the book that helps readers put a face to certain names and movie titles.
February 25, 2022
It's a great and comprehensive biography and the author really looks at Parveen through an empathetic lens (as one should), which also puts into perspective her illness and the side effects. It's difficult to not feel heartbroken at her story, especially if you're a fan. Towards the end it's also slightly triggering, as Parveen's illness starts taking over, but it's a well-rounded book for sure.
October 14, 2020
Poignant
Well researched. Deep insights into a star and her troubled life. Read if you don't mind dark details of mental illness
Well researched. Deep insights into a star and her troubled life. Read if you don't mind dark details of mental illness
November 26, 2022
It Is Truly Hard To Imagine That The Author Karishma Upadhyay Never Got To Meet Parveen Babi In Her Lifetime And Yet She Has Successfully Penned Such A True To Life Fascinating Biography That Not Just Keeps The Readers Truly Engrossed But Actually Leaves Them With Lots To Contemplate About.
For Too Long Now Parveen Babi Had In Her Death As In Her Lifetime Been A Disturbing Enigma But It Is The Loneliness And Pain She Was Surrounded By Each Time Her Relationships Ended And Left Her Scarred Even Deeper Is What Lingers On With The Readers Long After This Biography Has Been Soaked Into The Psyche Thanks To It’s Mesmerising Presentation.
Having Been A Film Journalist Herself And With So Much Having Been Written About Parveen Babi In Her Lifetime, It Must Indeed Have Been A Daunting Task To Separate The Fiction And Stick To The Hard Facts No Matter How Disturbing Or Painful They Came Across To The Reader. The Challenge Couldn’t Have Been Easy For Karishma Upadhyay But She Did Such A Fascinating Job Is Amply Evident Once The Reader Delves Deeper & Deeper Into This Engrossing Read As It Reflects On All That Went Wrong With Parveen Babi Long Before Her Life Went Into A Nose Dive From Which Sadly She Could Never Recover.
An Absolute Must Read For Anybody Who Is Fascinated By Bollywood In General And Has Always Thirsted To Unravel The Mystery That Shrouded Parveen Babi Like A Thick Blanket Of Fog.
Having Seen Parveen Babi Blossom In Bollywood Right Upto That Ugly Moment When She Was Terrified Even Of Her Lonely Shadows That Had Started To Haunt Her. One Is Truly Glad That It Had To Be Someone Of The Caliber Of Karishma Upadhyay Who Got To Do Befitting Justice To The Memory Of Parveen Babi With This Biography That Is A Perfect Tribute To A Star Who Rose To Peaks Of Excellence Before Plunging Into The Painful Depths Of Oblivion.
Truly Indeed Parveen Babi : A Life Is A Treasure Trove Of A Biography For All Her Fans & Admirers Alike Who Miss Her Even Today!!!
September 19, 2020
This is an awesome book.
I wonder how the author could’ve managed to write such a beautiful book without even meeting her . It’s a deep research done by Karishma Upadhayay , through whatever material was available to her. Hats off to the author !
And I’m so glad it was without those salacious & malicious filmy gossip.
This book is a journey of an ordinary Muslim girl- Parveen Babi born in Junagadh & how she forays into the Hindi Film Industry and how she rose to stardom & becomes a diva.
I was shattered reading about her shattered life.
What a pitiful life !
She was the most beautiful lady of the Indian cinema .
As how it’s mentioned in the book, that the line in the song of the movie Namak Halal ( Pag e gungroo baandh ) sange marmar ki hai koi murat ho tum...was written for her only.
She was a beautiful girl with a beautiful heart. But she was drastically affected with mental illness that finished her life as well as career.
She was suffering from mental illness even during the making of the movie Shaan but not that anyone of us can say that and she looks drop dead gorgeous in the song Shaan se.... which shows what all she must have gone through, her inner turmoil , that though she was sick , it didn’t reflect at all on the screen . She was such a brilliant actor.
Thank you Karishma Upadhyay for giving us such an amazing read .
I wonder how the author could’ve managed to write such a beautiful book without even meeting her . It’s a deep research done by Karishma Upadhayay , through whatever material was available to her. Hats off to the author !
And I’m so glad it was without those salacious & malicious filmy gossip.
This book is a journey of an ordinary Muslim girl- Parveen Babi born in Junagadh & how she forays into the Hindi Film Industry and how she rose to stardom & becomes a diva.
I was shattered reading about her shattered life.
What a pitiful life !
She was the most beautiful lady of the Indian cinema .
As how it’s mentioned in the book, that the line in the song of the movie Namak Halal ( Pag e gungroo baandh ) sange marmar ki hai koi murat ho tum...was written for her only.
She was a beautiful girl with a beautiful heart. But she was drastically affected with mental illness that finished her life as well as career.
She was suffering from mental illness even during the making of the movie Shaan but not that anyone of us can say that and she looks drop dead gorgeous in the song Shaan se.... which shows what all she must have gone through, her inner turmoil , that though she was sick , it didn’t reflect at all on the screen . She was such a brilliant actor.
Thank you Karishma Upadhyay for giving us such an amazing read .
June 9, 2022
A wonderful book that takes into the Enigmatic star that Parveen was and is and will be remembered always for her bold choices and the way she was ahead of all her contemporaries of her time and the way she managed to carve a niche for herself in the Bollywood industry in the ear where only Male superstars were made and female heroines were dropped or replaced at the drop of an hat.
It was very insightful to read about Parveen's ealry life and her lonely childhood which made her clingy in all her relationships she had be it with Kabir Bedi, Mahesh bhatt and Danny Denzongappa
I would credit the author to have related her biography with no judgement and shame and not with an aim of making us sympathetic towards Parveen in her later years when she suffered from Schizophrenia. Yes she suffered and as a result her career suffered but at that time, mental health was not a subject that was discussed or even treated properly.
It was depressing to read how she lead her last days of her life in a self imposed loneliness exile but at the same time I will give to her fighting spirit and not being dependent on someone.
If you are a Bollywood buff and want to know the details of her love affairs, her illness, her films and her growing up years without any judgement go for it.
It was very insightful to read about Parveen's ealry life and her lonely childhood which made her clingy in all her relationships she had be it with Kabir Bedi, Mahesh bhatt and Danny Denzongappa
I would credit the author to have related her biography with no judgement and shame and not with an aim of making us sympathetic towards Parveen in her later years when she suffered from Schizophrenia. Yes she suffered and as a result her career suffered but at that time, mental health was not a subject that was discussed or even treated properly.
It was depressing to read how she lead her last days of her life in a self imposed loneliness exile but at the same time I will give to her fighting spirit and not being dependent on someone.
If you are a Bollywood buff and want to know the details of her love affairs, her illness, her films and her growing up years without any judgement go for it.
July 21, 2021
What a fascinating book about a fascinating Bollywood diva Parveen Babi. After reading the book, just not able to get over it. It's really sad to know that the magical, mystical & mesmerizing Parveen Babi had to suffer from mental health problems and died in loneliness. Full marks to the author Karishma Upadhyay for writing such a well researched book. This book will make you a fan of Parveen Babi!!
October 16, 2020
I find most bollywood biographies odious. This one was quite competent, even with its flaws on its sleeves.
I wrote about this book here: https://www.filmcompanion.in/features...
I wrote about this book here: https://www.filmcompanion.in/features...
September 3, 2020
Parveen Babi was one of the most enigmatic Bollywood figures I grew up with.
The star of some of my favourite films as a child - Amar Akbar Anthony; Do Aur Do Paanch; Shaan - she suddenly turned into a punchline, after disappearing for a few years and then returning with outlandish claims about secret cabals out to kill her, run by Amitabh Bachchan, who she had built up to be some sort of an arch-villain.
My awareness of mental health not being what it is today, and being aged 13 when all of this was playing out, it seemed hilarious and farcical. Even the adults I knew and loved - parents, cousins - behaved like this was the just and proper thing to happen to a "Bollywood type" and seemed to find the whole episode very amusing.
What it actually was is tragic - something captured brilliantly in this book.
Karishma Upadhyay chronicles Babi's life from a free spirited college girl in Ahmedabad, to the almost reigning queen of Bollywood, engaged in a mostly invisible struggle with her personal demons, before she finally succumbs to them.
Before I go any further, this is an extraordinarily well written book - probably the most quietly depressing thing I will read all year.
The level of research is jaw dropping and yet, Karishma Upadhyay resists the temptation to show off and hit the reader over the head with tomes of source material. Every ancient magazine quote adds to the narrative; as does every single person interviewed.
The tone is sympathetic but detached, unlike most writing on Bollywood which tends to lean towards the overwrought or florid.
Which is probably why Parveen Babi - A Life lands like a punch to the gut. The largest part of it deals with PB (and her entourage, but mainly PB) struggling to keep it together long enough to complete just another set of films. And the helplessness of the people who care for her - lovers like Danny Dengzongpa, Kabir Bedi and even the slightly caddish Mahesh Bhatt and her spiritual advisor UG Krishnamoorthy. But most prominently her secretary Ved Prakash who is frequently left to deal with irate unsympathetic co-stars, producers and directors when the talent he is representing is too unwell to keep her commitments.
In what's quite a morbid coincidence, all of this is particularly resonant at a time when the death of Sushant Singh Rajput has become a highly politicised all-consuming national obsession.
One could have taken comfort in the thought that in the less enlightened late 70s and early 80s, a secretary had to lie about a star's mental condition, because the truth might have catastrophic effects on her career.
But the absolute refusal of so many 'fans' and large sections of the media to acknowledge mental health as a probable factor leading to Rajput's death is a stark reminder of how little things have changed.
It makes one believe that if the actor was, in fact, trying to hide his mental illness - that was the fitting and proper thing to do for a public personality, in India in 2020. Because large parts of the country are singularly unsympathetic to and unwilling to accept mental illness; something that's viewed less like a condition to be managed and more like a moral failing.
Every ghoulish news anchor who trots out footage of Rajput smiling and laughing with the claim that it negates the possibility of him being depressed, is a testament not just to stasis but to an active regression. We are at a stage where we should know better, but don't out of sheer perversity and cussedness.
I would recommend this book especially to the news ghouls and the so-called legions of 'fans' endorsing and disseminating increasingly outlandish theories about Rajput's death, never once acknowledging that mental health could have played a role, but suspect it wouldn't make any difference to them.
But for those of you who are fans of 'classic' Bollywood and capable of realising the non-binary, complicated but ultimately debilitating (if untreated) nature of mental illness, Parveen Babi: A Life is essential reading.
It makes me re-evaluate her entirely as an actor and to revisit all of her films.
I'd always been a tad dismissive of her and thought she looked a lot better than she acted. But the fact that she was pulling off those cheery ebullient performances, while consumed by paranoia and depression, makes them retrospectively outstanding and her incredibly courageous.
The star of some of my favourite films as a child - Amar Akbar Anthony; Do Aur Do Paanch; Shaan - she suddenly turned into a punchline, after disappearing for a few years and then returning with outlandish claims about secret cabals out to kill her, run by Amitabh Bachchan, who she had built up to be some sort of an arch-villain.
My awareness of mental health not being what it is today, and being aged 13 when all of this was playing out, it seemed hilarious and farcical. Even the adults I knew and loved - parents, cousins - behaved like this was the just and proper thing to happen to a "Bollywood type" and seemed to find the whole episode very amusing.
What it actually was is tragic - something captured brilliantly in this book.
Karishma Upadhyay chronicles Babi's life from a free spirited college girl in Ahmedabad, to the almost reigning queen of Bollywood, engaged in a mostly invisible struggle with her personal demons, before she finally succumbs to them.
Before I go any further, this is an extraordinarily well written book - probably the most quietly depressing thing I will read all year.
The level of research is jaw dropping and yet, Karishma Upadhyay resists the temptation to show off and hit the reader over the head with tomes of source material. Every ancient magazine quote adds to the narrative; as does every single person interviewed.
The tone is sympathetic but detached, unlike most writing on Bollywood which tends to lean towards the overwrought or florid.
Which is probably why Parveen Babi - A Life lands like a punch to the gut. The largest part of it deals with PB (and her entourage, but mainly PB) struggling to keep it together long enough to complete just another set of films. And the helplessness of the people who care for her - lovers like Danny Dengzongpa, Kabir Bedi and even the slightly caddish Mahesh Bhatt and her spiritual advisor UG Krishnamoorthy. But most prominently her secretary Ved Prakash who is frequently left to deal with irate unsympathetic co-stars, producers and directors when the talent he is representing is too unwell to keep her commitments.
In what's quite a morbid coincidence, all of this is particularly resonant at a time when the death of Sushant Singh Rajput has become a highly politicised all-consuming national obsession.
One could have taken comfort in the thought that in the less enlightened late 70s and early 80s, a secretary had to lie about a star's mental condition, because the truth might have catastrophic effects on her career.
But the absolute refusal of so many 'fans' and large sections of the media to acknowledge mental health as a probable factor leading to Rajput's death is a stark reminder of how little things have changed.
It makes one believe that if the actor was, in fact, trying to hide his mental illness - that was the fitting and proper thing to do for a public personality, in India in 2020. Because large parts of the country are singularly unsympathetic to and unwilling to accept mental illness; something that's viewed less like a condition to be managed and more like a moral failing.
Every ghoulish news anchor who trots out footage of Rajput smiling and laughing with the claim that it negates the possibility of him being depressed, is a testament not just to stasis but to an active regression. We are at a stage where we should know better, but don't out of sheer perversity and cussedness.
I would recommend this book especially to the news ghouls and the so-called legions of 'fans' endorsing and disseminating increasingly outlandish theories about Rajput's death, never once acknowledging that mental health could have played a role, but suspect it wouldn't make any difference to them.
But for those of you who are fans of 'classic' Bollywood and capable of realising the non-binary, complicated but ultimately debilitating (if untreated) nature of mental illness, Parveen Babi: A Life is essential reading.
It makes me re-evaluate her entirely as an actor and to revisit all of her films.
I'd always been a tad dismissive of her and thought she looked a lot better than she acted. But the fact that she was pulling off those cheery ebullient performances, while consumed by paranoia and depression, makes them retrospectively outstanding and her incredibly courageous.
October 17, 2020
This is one of the best Hindi film star biographies I have ever read. Upadhyay has gathered a very thorough set of factual details from friends, colleagues, associates and fellow actors. She rarely passes judgment on an actress who was very complex. She doesn't particularly take sides where some believe that doctors and mental health professionals could have helped if she had trusted them. But she probably would have committed to a mental institution early on if her friends and associates hadn't stepped in to protect her from that as best they could. It is a sad story in many ways but this woman exhibited a lot of strength in certain ways that subsequently actresses have taken to heart. As in life there are good people and bad people that help people navigate through difficulties and others that make everything worse and can only focus on themselves. Some actors are able to thrive and self preserve themselves in various ways and others are vulnerable to whatever set of temptations and expectations lead to disappointment and failure. This book celebrates one actress's singular accomplishments and is not harsh or blaming in terms of questionable decisions or possible errors in judgment or perception. The author brings to life how the Hindi film industry was in the 1960's.
September 3, 2020
We can easily make assumptions about the person who is no longer between us to explain their side, but writer Karishma Upadhyay has articulately connected the scattered threads of the yesteryear diva Parveen babi- rather subject of forever curiosity.
Karishma has not limited her writings to Parveens known partners or movies based on Parveens life ( arth, phir teri kahani yaad ayi, woh lamhe), but has introduced various people/personalities who Parveen confided with during her different phase of life.
Above all what makes this book special is Karishma's non-judgmental approach, mental health sensitization & deeply researched content.
This book answers and covers almost all those dark periods which media had speculated harshly during her time.
HIGHLY RECOMENDED.
Karishma has not limited her writings to Parveens known partners or movies based on Parveens life ( arth, phir teri kahani yaad ayi, woh lamhe), but has introduced various people/personalities who Parveen confided with during her different phase of life.
Above all what makes this book special is Karishma's non-judgmental approach, mental health sensitization & deeply researched content.
This book answers and covers almost all those dark periods which media had speculated harshly during her time.
HIGHLY RECOMENDED.
September 5, 2020
Parveen Babi A Life is an engaging book that reflects on the life of one of the most glamorous actress’ of her era. This book is a well-researched, well-documented and balanced book that reflects on her life and battle with mental health. It is heart-breaking to read about such a bright star’s life fading into oblivion. A life where her friends and close ones leave her into a life of loneliness and despair.
I hope this book is picked up by everyone to understand that mental health is important and one must reach out to those who need us.
I hope this book is picked up by everyone to understand that mental health is important and one must reach out to those who need us.
February 6, 2022
The description of the late actress’s life, just breaks my heart. Well written and elaborately explain life instances…
I was always fan of her look as a child when saw her movies and now have utmost respect for the lady… I takes a lot to be be mentally unwell and continue living without family or friends…
I was always fan of her look as a child when saw her movies and now have utmost respect for the lady… I takes a lot to be be mentally unwell and continue living without family or friends…
September 20, 2020
Brilliantly and Sensitively written . Though I haven’t seen her work or known much of her , I couldn’t keep it down . It’s a sad and riveting tale. And the writer shows all aspects of her life specially her childhood . There is no effort to make villains or point fingers but an honest attempt to show her joys and sadness , ups and down . Even though it’s a tragic story , it’s still hopeful . Go ahead , pick it up and you won’t be disappointed !
November 6, 2024
“Parveen was alone - in life and in death.”
Thank you Karishma for writing this book.
Thank you Karishma for writing this book.
October 7, 2020
Thoroughly researched, well-written, very interesting
I have read several Bollywood biographies this year, and this one is head and shoulders above the rest. It is well researched, narrated with empathy, and inadvertently shines a spotlight on how little has changed in Bollywood when it comes to mental health conversations and perceptions.
A fascinating, crisply edited tale of one of India's most famous faces of her time, this book is definitely worth a read. Recommended!!
I have read several Bollywood biographies this year, and this one is head and shoulders above the rest. It is well researched, narrated with empathy, and inadvertently shines a spotlight on how little has changed in Bollywood when it comes to mental health conversations and perceptions.
A fascinating, crisply edited tale of one of India's most famous faces of her time, this book is definitely worth a read. Recommended!!
September 13, 2020
This is a lovely, poignant read on a largely misunderstood Bollywood star. It goes beyond industry gossip to really give you a glimpse of Parveen Babi's life and her passion and dedication to her art. The book also portrays her mental health struggles with sensitivity and empathy. Would definitely recommend, whether you're a Bollywood buff or not!
September 19, 2020
This was a book waiting to be written; in many ways I wish I had done so, keeping in mind the obsession I had with her, in my growing years. From the impressionable age of 15 or so, Parveen Babi rose to, pun intended, become my favorite actress. There were many others including the Indians undoubtable Sharmila Tagore, who had reigned and been my supreme favourite and till date is a tussle in my mind.
However Parveen Babi was like no other, saying a breath of fresh air, is kind of stating the obvious. What a smorgasbord of emotions, desire and then slowly reverance and ultimately nothing but concern did the lady evoke in my mind.
Teens are a time when both hormonal changes and other issues are playing havoc with young boys, turning men... And here was someone who not only embodied what boys and men wanted, but knew was out of reach.
One of my closest school buddies and me had a rivalry which was Parveen versus Zeenat. And man how it played out; in nasty jibes, comments and silly boyish transgressions.
The book that Karishma Upadhyay has written is not only seminal in its scope and ambition, but the one simple feeling it has evoked in me and the many who will read it is compassion, with a capital C.
Many of the tales, anecdotes and events in her life I knew, wanted to reach out and share with someone and without the shadow of a doubt would have loved to have met the diva and don't know what, consoled, empathised or just have been dumbstruck by her aura. Karishma has done that and with a punch that packs all sorts of emotions. I have been chatting with Karishma on Insta and two/ three anecdotes, especially this, published by The Times of India posthumously after her death stands out:
This is from a blog called Parveen Babi In Remembrance written on Jan 3, 2019...
Only an excerpt, but this is what she was:
The Age of Philosophy: A critique of Pure Reason by Parveen Babi
Few excerpts from above article:
Our contemporary society erroneously defines a philosopher as any individual who conducts a logical analysis of existing and apparent reality. This perhaps is true that contemporary society no longer produces true Philosophers. Rationalists philosophers from Aristotle to Bertrand Russell have given philosophy methods of conducting syllogistic inferences and logical analysis and down the ages, these techniques have become so synonymous with philosophy, and the practice of true philosophic explorations so rare, that today, the practice of logical analysis has erroneously taken to mean the practice of philosophy.
But today, after centuries of following the philosophy of reason corruption and moral decay are rampant in society.
Our modern civilization’s philosophy of reason has only created chaos and corruption.
Its is time that we adopted what the greatest philosophers of mankind Jesus Christ, Mohammad and Buddha taught the highest order of reason combined with believe-belief in the positive, the truth, a higher reality, which helped them attain perfection.
Belief is the capacity, nurtured in human individuals, to recognize and acknowledge the ultimate truth -God.
Other comments by her:
Over the years I have discovered a new whole world outside, writing philosophy, painting, organized thinking great and classical literature... There is just one life and so much to achieve.’
I would like to have a T.V show about literature, culture and cooking. I’m an extremely good continental and french cook.
Now you'll all also ask, was she not mentally stable 🙏🙏or the world in general
What one owes to Karishma Upadhyay is a debt that she's been so amazingly objective in her writing, that it's like seeing a life flash in front of your eyes, which could have been so different, if the lady had got necessary, timely and regular help. Needless to add that many an incident and detail left me misty eyed.
All I can say is that the book is not just one roller coaster ride, but many.
However Parveen Babi was like no other, saying a breath of fresh air, is kind of stating the obvious. What a smorgasbord of emotions, desire and then slowly reverance and ultimately nothing but concern did the lady evoke in my mind.
Teens are a time when both hormonal changes and other issues are playing havoc with young boys, turning men... And here was someone who not only embodied what boys and men wanted, but knew was out of reach.
One of my closest school buddies and me had a rivalry which was Parveen versus Zeenat. And man how it played out; in nasty jibes, comments and silly boyish transgressions.
The book that Karishma Upadhyay has written is not only seminal in its scope and ambition, but the one simple feeling it has evoked in me and the many who will read it is compassion, with a capital C.
Many of the tales, anecdotes and events in her life I knew, wanted to reach out and share with someone and without the shadow of a doubt would have loved to have met the diva and don't know what, consoled, empathised or just have been dumbstruck by her aura. Karishma has done that and with a punch that packs all sorts of emotions. I have been chatting with Karishma on Insta and two/ three anecdotes, especially this, published by The Times of India posthumously after her death stands out:
This is from a blog called Parveen Babi In Remembrance written on Jan 3, 2019...
Only an excerpt, but this is what she was:
The Age of Philosophy: A critique of Pure Reason by Parveen Babi
Few excerpts from above article:
Our contemporary society erroneously defines a philosopher as any individual who conducts a logical analysis of existing and apparent reality. This perhaps is true that contemporary society no longer produces true Philosophers. Rationalists philosophers from Aristotle to Bertrand Russell have given philosophy methods of conducting syllogistic inferences and logical analysis and down the ages, these techniques have become so synonymous with philosophy, and the practice of true philosophic explorations so rare, that today, the practice of logical analysis has erroneously taken to mean the practice of philosophy.
But today, after centuries of following the philosophy of reason corruption and moral decay are rampant in society.
Our modern civilization’s philosophy of reason has only created chaos and corruption.
Its is time that we adopted what the greatest philosophers of mankind Jesus Christ, Mohammad and Buddha taught the highest order of reason combined with believe-belief in the positive, the truth, a higher reality, which helped them attain perfection.
Belief is the capacity, nurtured in human individuals, to recognize and acknowledge the ultimate truth -God.
Other comments by her:
Over the years I have discovered a new whole world outside, writing philosophy, painting, organized thinking great and classical literature... There is just one life and so much to achieve.’
I would like to have a T.V show about literature, culture and cooking. I’m an extremely good continental and french cook.
Now you'll all also ask, was she not mentally stable 🙏🙏or the world in general
What one owes to Karishma Upadhyay is a debt that she's been so amazingly objective in her writing, that it's like seeing a life flash in front of your eyes, which could have been so different, if the lady had got necessary, timely and regular help. Needless to add that many an incident and detail left me misty eyed.
All I can say is that the book is not just one roller coaster ride, but many.
December 12, 2020
We called her Parveen Bobby. and she was the centre of our Bachchan-obsessed universe. Despite her choice of roles that pulled the Bollywood heroine from the cucoon of pativrata-sati-savitri-abla-naari, despite those blockbusters with Bachchan, despite those flops of hair complimenting that angelic forehead, despite the piercing eyes, despite making the cover of Time Magazine…the cult of Parveen Babi was built around the story of a girl from Junagadh who joined the movies, got her heart trampled on, and gradually lost her mind. Karishma Upadhyay’s book captures this beautifully. Today, so many years later, our understanding of Schizophrenia and of ways to deal with it hasn’t improved much. Karishma chronicles the unspooling of Parveen’s mind in fascinating (and heart-rending) ways. What’s also fascinating is the story of the Juhu Gang (the author draws parallels with Hollywood’s Rat-pack from the 50s), a group of young strugglers and star kids who pranced around the Mumbai suburbs taking acid trips, lighting bonfires on the beach and indulging in delusions that they could change the world in their own little ways. This book will break your heart. And that’s precisely why you’ve got to read it.
July 20, 2021
Tremendously well researched and written taking the reader along with as if the cinema siren's life I was watching goes to show how lucid the story of the mortal journey of the star siren Praveen Babi has been well documented .
This girl who longed through out her life to be hailed as one man woman experimented again and again in finding comfort in her many relationships be it Danny Denzogpa ,Kabir Bedi , Mahesh Bhatt or Amitabh Bachhan who kept the relationship in sly and ruined her irrevocably .
For those who love cinema and the stars that crowd around it's sky here is a readable book that leaves the reader seeking more .
The star who was all alone ..lived alone and died alone ..Karishma Upadhyay has scripted a nice book to write of her heroine "Praveen's life was like a mirror that had shattered into a million pieces .Each shard had its little story -of beauty ,fame and fortune ; of hard work , determination and humility "
This girl who longed through out her life to be hailed as one man woman experimented again and again in finding comfort in her many relationships be it Danny Denzogpa ,Kabir Bedi , Mahesh Bhatt or Amitabh Bachhan who kept the relationship in sly and ruined her irrevocably .
For those who love cinema and the stars that crowd around it's sky here is a readable book that leaves the reader seeking more .
The star who was all alone ..lived alone and died alone ..Karishma Upadhyay has scripted a nice book to write of her heroine "Praveen's life was like a mirror that had shattered into a million pieces .Each shard had its little story -of beauty ,fame and fortune ; of hard work , determination and humility "
October 3, 2020
Parveen Babi was an iconic star of her times, and a lot has been written about her. She is known for being bold, fierce and independent. The book gives us an insight into her life from the very beginning; her time at the movies, her relationships, and above all, her illness. Through anecdotes and research work, the author gives us a glimpse into the loneliness that comes with being a star. And how little we know about mental illness, and the sensitivity we lack as a society concerning mental health. The book has stories and experiences dating back to the 70s and 80s, but is so relevant even today, because the times may we have changed, but we still struggle to understand mental health; the taboos persist. A good read for those interested in understanding the world of films and Bollywood stars.
April 3, 2022
My first 5 stars read of the year. Karishma Upadhyay is an excellent writer. I flew through this book in just two days, while also meeting academic assignment deadlines around the same time; which means that I didn't really have the time to finish this book this week, but I just couldn't stop once I started.
This rather comprehensive and sympathetic account of Babi's life reads like a fascinating fictional novel. I had always wanted to learn more about her life and 70s/80s Bollywood, outside of the Mahesh Bhatt gaze, and this book fulfilled my curiosity. Parveen Babi led an 'extraordinary' life (while being 'extraordinary' herself), and I am glad her biographer was able to recount (most of) it creatively and respectfully.
This rather comprehensive and sympathetic account of Babi's life reads like a fascinating fictional novel. I had always wanted to learn more about her life and 70s/80s Bollywood, outside of the Mahesh Bhatt gaze, and this book fulfilled my curiosity. Parveen Babi led an 'extraordinary' life (while being 'extraordinary' herself), and I am glad her biographer was able to recount (most of) it creatively and respectfully.
July 5, 2021
A nice read. A tragic life of a beautiful star
A good read for cinema enthusiasts. If you're like me, a cinema lover and who likes to know about cine stars, this book beautifully unravels the sad life of parveen jiq
A good read for cinema enthusiasts. If you're like me, a cinema lover and who likes to know about cine stars, this book beautifully unravels the sad life of parveen jiq
May 11, 2022
Very unsettling and disturbing account (even for me). Having going through a phase where even the most compelling of reads fail to leave an impression, this book arrested me like no other. You can’t help but think of hundreds of ifs and thens about her end. Truly a case of gone but not forgotten.
December 31, 2023
I remember Parveen Babi’s performances in films exuding confidence and grace. The movies I remember her most by are Deewar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Kaalia and Shaan. It was only when I read of her demise in the news many years back that I realized that she had been battling mental illness. This book provides an excellent view of her life and the challenges she faced.
The book starts with Parveen Babi asking her manager Ved Sharma to take her to the airport. This was to be her second abrupt exit from the film industry and the last. Prior to this she had been exhibiting signs of depression and paranoia. She had been to stage shows in North America and London, and complained of how superstar Amitabh Bachchan did not pay much attention to her. She spoke of a conspiracy against her and people plotting to kill her with bombs or poison.
After these initial sections, the story moves to her childhood in a royal family in Junagad, and her years in college. Her mother had wanted her to marry as soon as she finished college. She completed her BA in English & Psychology, and MA in English. She was engaged to one Jamil in Pakistan, but this engagement was called off after the 1971 war. Her entry into plays and later films followed. She had an excellent memory, great work ethic and was a pleasure to work with, rapidly gaining support among leading filmmakers. She was polite but frank in speaking, and bold for the times – she smoked openly in public. Relationships with Kabir Bedi, Danny Denzongpa, Mahesh Bhat and one Abdul Elah (from Dubai) followed over the years. During all this, signs of mental illness surfaced and was noticeable to those close. She greatly appreciated the spiritual advice of UG Krishnamurti and took a break with him for rejuvenation. This seemed to work and she was back to films. Majboor, Deewar, Shaan, Kaalia, Namak Halal were big hits, and she & Amitabh Bachchan were a popular pair. Mahesh Bhat made the movie ‘Arth’ based on his life and extra-marital relationship with Parveen Babi. A second breakdown followed, and it is unclear if the movie played a part. Mahesh Bhat when probed pointed an accusing finger at Amitabh Bachchan, to being insensitive with her. When she left films, Parveen Babi had 19 in-progress movies in various stages and the makers struggled to find a way to cope, incurring delays and losses. She was in the US for 7 years before returning to Mumbai to lead a secluded life (she continued to be delusional), till her premature death at the age of 51.
Mental health has far better appreciation today. I liked how the author Karishma Upadhyay is sensitive to her mental state in her writing. At the same time while describing her relationships and friendships, she passes no judgement. It does seem to me that Parveen Babi deserved more support and empathy, but it also appears that her mental state drove her into isolation. Mental illness is cruel, cutting short the life of a person who was beautiful & graceful in her prime, becoming successful with her hard work & talent.
A well-written book about a bright & fascinating personality, a life ravaged & cut short by mental illness.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
The book starts with Parveen Babi asking her manager Ved Sharma to take her to the airport. This was to be her second abrupt exit from the film industry and the last. Prior to this she had been exhibiting signs of depression and paranoia. She had been to stage shows in North America and London, and complained of how superstar Amitabh Bachchan did not pay much attention to her. She spoke of a conspiracy against her and people plotting to kill her with bombs or poison.
After these initial sections, the story moves to her childhood in a royal family in Junagad, and her years in college. Her mother had wanted her to marry as soon as she finished college. She completed her BA in English & Psychology, and MA in English. She was engaged to one Jamil in Pakistan, but this engagement was called off after the 1971 war. Her entry into plays and later films followed. She had an excellent memory, great work ethic and was a pleasure to work with, rapidly gaining support among leading filmmakers. She was polite but frank in speaking, and bold for the times – she smoked openly in public. Relationships with Kabir Bedi, Danny Denzongpa, Mahesh Bhat and one Abdul Elah (from Dubai) followed over the years. During all this, signs of mental illness surfaced and was noticeable to those close. She greatly appreciated the spiritual advice of UG Krishnamurti and took a break with him for rejuvenation. This seemed to work and she was back to films. Majboor, Deewar, Shaan, Kaalia, Namak Halal were big hits, and she & Amitabh Bachchan were a popular pair. Mahesh Bhat made the movie ‘Arth’ based on his life and extra-marital relationship with Parveen Babi. A second breakdown followed, and it is unclear if the movie played a part. Mahesh Bhat when probed pointed an accusing finger at Amitabh Bachchan, to being insensitive with her. When she left films, Parveen Babi had 19 in-progress movies in various stages and the makers struggled to find a way to cope, incurring delays and losses. She was in the US for 7 years before returning to Mumbai to lead a secluded life (she continued to be delusional), till her premature death at the age of 51.
Mental health has far better appreciation today. I liked how the author Karishma Upadhyay is sensitive to her mental state in her writing. At the same time while describing her relationships and friendships, she passes no judgement. It does seem to me that Parveen Babi deserved more support and empathy, but it also appears that her mental state drove her into isolation. Mental illness is cruel, cutting short the life of a person who was beautiful & graceful in her prime, becoming successful with her hard work & talent.
A well-written book about a bright & fascinating personality, a life ravaged & cut short by mental illness.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
December 10, 2024
When this book arrived by courier my first thought was- what is there to know about Parveen Babi? Don’t I know it already? Her aristocratic background, her doomed romances, her obsession with the spiritual guide and her tragic end. But as I started reading the book, I discovered that there is so much to the complex, intriguing actor that is unknown, unsaid, unspoken about and even somebody like me who was interacting with her on a regular basis in the 70s and 80s doesn’t know it. There all kinds of biography and it’s very difficult to write about a subject who is no more because there is nobody to contradict you, there’s nobody to confront you about something that has gone wrong. In that sense, it was very easy for the author to become reckless and sensational, but Karishma doesn’t do that. On the contrary, she is extremely responsible and follows her subject like a keen observer full of insights but not judgemental. The book travels from Junagadh to Ahmedabad to Mumbai to London to unknown destinations and by the end of it you’ll say, “What a life!”. The book is called Parveen Babi – a life and you actually end up realizing indeed what a life! In the end, I will say that it’s a terrific biography, engaging, sincere, sensitive and Karishma Upadhyay take a bow. It’s a wonderful book.
January 17, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Karishma Upadhyay’s biography of Parveen Babi. The book is an immersive journey through Parveen Babi’s life, starting from her early days in Junagadh, where she hailed from a royal family, and moving through her college years in Ahmedabad at St. Xavier’s. It chronicles her entry into Bollywood, her battle with paranoid schizophrenia, and her tumultuous relationships with married men like Kabir Bedi and Mahesh Bhatt. The biography also delves into her earlier relationships in Ahmedabad and her bond with Danny Denzongpa.
I found the book incredibly engaging; my attention never wavered. It provides a profound insight into the tragic complexities behind Parveen Babi’s glamorous public image, highlighting how the glitz and glamour of showbiz can mask deep personal struggles, especially in the absence of a solid support system.
The conclusion of the book, and ultimately the end of Parveen Babi’s life, is deeply haunting. Her tragic final days, alone with a gangrenous foot, her body left undiscovered for 24 hours until the local police, aided by a locksmith, finally opened the door—this scene is profoundly unsettling and has shaken me to my core. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability that often lies behind the glitzy façade of celebrity life.
Ultimately, it’s a poignant reminder that all that glitters is not gold.
I found the book incredibly engaging; my attention never wavered. It provides a profound insight into the tragic complexities behind Parveen Babi’s glamorous public image, highlighting how the glitz and glamour of showbiz can mask deep personal struggles, especially in the absence of a solid support system.
The conclusion of the book, and ultimately the end of Parveen Babi’s life, is deeply haunting. Her tragic final days, alone with a gangrenous foot, her body left undiscovered for 24 hours until the local police, aided by a locksmith, finally opened the door—this scene is profoundly unsettling and has shaken me to my core. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability that often lies behind the glitzy façade of celebrity life.
Ultimately, it’s a poignant reminder that all that glitters is not gold.
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