Asha Parekh's 70th birthday bash a gala affair

Yesteryears' jubilee actress Asha Parekh had a lot to be jubilant about on her 70th birthday bash. From Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan to Imran Khan and Kangna Ranaut - everyone was there to wish her and the party went on till the wee hours.

"Come to think of it, I've led a charmed life. To see so many of my colleagues and juniors from the entertainment industry make the time to share my birthday, made me feel very fortunate. I think I am fortune's favourite," said Asha who turned 70 Oct 1 and celebrated her birthday at the Sun 'n' Sand hotel here.

The party saw one of the most impressive turn-outs in recent times.

"There was a very humbling mix of veterans like Manoj Kumar, Prem Chopra and Aruna Irani and the young brigade. Imran Khan and Kangna Ranaut were spotted having a good time," said an invitee.

Among the first to arrive were Jaya and Amitabh.

Shabana Azmi walked in a little later, followed by niece Tabu, the latter making a rare public appearance. Juhi Chawla also showed up and seemed determined to enjoy herself.

No one left in a hurry.

The real surprise of the evening, and one that warmed the cockles of Asha Parekh's heart, was the appearance of the entire family of late filmmaker Nasir Hussain.

Representing Nasir Hussain at the bash were his son Mansoor Ali Khan and daughter Nuzhat Khan. Imran Khan, Nuzhat's son, was also present.

Aamir Khan (who is Tahir Hussain's son) sent his 'Asha aunty' his birthday wishes from Chicago and expressed regrets at his inability to be there on this joyous occasion.

Barely able to control her joy, Asha said: "Many of my co-stars and directors are no more. But their families were there to share my happiness. Nasir Saab's children, Tahir Saab's wife, and my other directors' families were also there. I felt a lump in my throat. But I quickly swallowed it down with a glass of wine."

The late Pramod Chakravarty, in whose blockbuster "Love In Tokyo" and "Ziddi" Asha played the lead, was represented at the bash by his widow, and the late Shakti Samanta, director of Asha's "Pagla Kahin Kaa" and "Kati Patang", was represented by his son Asim Samanta.

And if you saw Jackie Shroff giving love-sick looks at the birthday girl, it was because Jackie is a diehard Asha fan.

Laughed Asha: "Jackie keeps telling everyone he has had a crush on me since his teens. But he never told me that. I was happy he could make it to my party."

Also making a rare appearance was Asha Bhosle who not only came for the party, but stayed on and had herself a ball.

Interestingly, the two Ashas (Parekh and Bhosle) share a hugely rewarding on-screen relationship. Asha Bhosle has sung most of Asha Parekh's biggest hits .

"That's because Asha-tai sang extensively for O.P. Nayyar and R.D. Burman who gave music in most of Nasir Hussain saab's films and I was lucky to be in many of these films," said Asha Parekh appreciatively.

Copyright  IANS

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