Mumbai, January 20, 2026
On the 21st death anniversary of Parveen Babi, one of Bollywood’s most glamorous and successful actresses, fans remember the superstar whose life journey was as extraordinary as it was tragic. Despite an 18-year film career and nearly 70 films, the actress disappeared from the public eye long before her mysterious death shocked the nation in 2005.
A Star Found Dead After Two Days
On 20 January 2005, Parveen Babi was found dead in her Mumbai apartment. Newspapers and milk cartons had been lying untouched outside her door for two days, prompting suspicion. When police broke open the door, they discovered the legendary actress lying dead inside. A post-mortem later revealed she had died of organ failure, worsened by diabetes and prolonged lack of food intake. The investigation ruled out any foul play.
Shockingly, no immediate family member came forward to claim her body. Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who had once been close to her, took responsibility for her burial.
From Royal Lineage to Bollywood Stardom
Born on 4 April 1954, Parveen Babi belonged to a royal family from Junagadh in present-day Gujarat. Her father, Wali Mohammad Khan Babi, was the last Nawab of Junagadh. Raised in a 54-room palace and educated at St. Xavier’s College, she entered modeling in 1971. Her striking beauty soon caught the attention of filmmakers.
She made her Bollywood debut in 1973 with Charitra, receiving immediate praise for her screen presence and modern style.
A Glittering Film Career: Amitabh Bachchan and Big-Budget Hits
Parveen Babi became one of the most celebrated actresses of the 1970s and 1980s. She starred in 8–10 major films with Amitabh Bachchan, including:
Deewaar
Amar Akbar Anthony
Shaan
Kaalia
She also worked with top actors such as Shashi Kapoor and Sanjay Khan, becoming one of the highest-paid and most bankable actresses of her time.
Untold Facts About Parveen Babi
✓ She was the first Indian actress to appear on the cover of TIME Magazine.
✓ After leaving Bollywood, she studied music, architecture, politics and other subjects.
✓ A trust was created after her death, using her wealth to support those in need.
✓ Despite several relationships, she never married.
Films Inspired by Her Life
Parveen Babi’s personal life was the subject of two notable Bollywood films:
Aarth (1982) — Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, the film was semi-autobiographical. Smita Patil’s character, Kavita, was inspired by Parveen Babi.
Woh Lamhe (2006) — Directed by Mohit Suri under the Mahesh Bhatt banner, the film depicted her final years and battle with mental illness.
Both films were widely appreciated by critics and audiences.
A Love Life Filled with Turmoil
Parveen Babi’s relationships were widely discussed, though she never shied away from speaking about them. She was romantically linked with:
Danny Denzongpa
Kabir Bedi
Mahesh Bhatt
It was during her relationship with Mahesh Bhatt that he discovered she was suffering from schizophrenia, a condition that caused hallucinations and paranoia. Her mental health struggles eventually pushed her away from films, culminating in her final screen appearance in Irada (1991).
A Lonely End to a Star Who Once Ruled Bollywood
Despite being one of the most iconic actresses of her generation, Parveen Babi spent her final years in isolation. Her tragic death marked the end of a remarkable yet painful journey — a life of royalty, fame, courage, love, turmoil and mystery.
