When Asha Parekh said "I am married to Shammi Kapoor" and rumours turned controversy

Asha Parekh, a celebrated actress of yesteryears, recently opened about a long-standing rumour involving her and veteran actor Shammi Kapoor. Known for her versatility and one of the highest-paid actresses of her time, Asha Parekh often found herself under the spotlight not just for her cinematic contributions but also for her personal life.

The Origin of the Rumour

During a candid interaction, Asha Parekh delved into how the rumours of her supposed marriage with Shammi Kapoor began. As she recounted, "This is a long story. We were shooting in Mahabaleshwar, and I don’t know what came upon Om Prakash ji, he declared that Shammi and I are married." This statement, which was initially intended as a joke, took on a life of its own. At a party hosted by Mr. Nasser Hussain, whispers about their alleged marriage began to circulate. Asha Parekh, seemingly amused by the rumours at the time, decided to play along. She mentioned, "I said, 'Yes, we are married.' (Renowned journalist) Devyani Chaubal was also in the room. She heard the rumour."

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The Ripple Effect

The joke quickly spiraled out of control, leading to widespread gossip within the industry. Shammi Kapoor, who was aware of the prank, decided not to address the rumours directly. Asha Parekh recalled, "He said, 'Don’t tell anything.' He was playing a prank (with everyone). At that time, he was having an affair with somebody. So that person got very upset." This statement highlighted the unintended consequences of the joke, where Shammi Kapoor's then-girlfriend became quite upset upon hearing the news.

Asha Parekh's Relationship with Shammi Kapoor

Despite the rumours, Asha Parekh maintained a respectful and professional relationship with Shammi Kapoor. She admired him not just as a co-star but also as a mentor. In an interview, she revealed that she fondly called him 'Shammi Chacha,' a term of endearment that spoke volumes about their bond. Shammi Kapoor, known for his unique dance style and expressive performances, taught Asha the nuances of lip-syncing and emoting in songs.

Asha Parekh also reflected on Shammi Kapoor’s emotional side, particularly recalling the time after the tragic death of his wife, Geeta Bali. "I had never seen Shammi depressed except when his wife, Geeta Bali, suddenly passed away. It had left him shattered," she shared. This memory underscores the deep respect and affection Asha had for Shammi, not just as a colleague but as a person who was profoundly affected by personal loss.

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A Life of Professional Excellence and Personal Mystique

Asha Parekh’s career was marked by a series of successful films, but her personal life always intrigued the media and her fans. Known as the flagbearer of women-oriented roles, she was the first female Chairperson of the Censor Board and produced notable television series such as Kora Kagaz and Kangan. Despite never getting married, her name was often romantically linked with several co-actors, Shammi Kapoor being one of the most notable.

Her decision to remain single in an era when marriage was considered almost mandatory for actresses is seen as a bold choice. Asha Parekh often stated that she was content with her life and career, choosing her independence over societal expectations.

The Legacy Continues

Even today, Asha Parekh remains a symbol of grace and dignity in Bollywood. Her stories, like the one involving Shammi Kapoor, reflect not only the lighter moments of Bollywood's golden era but also the complexities of human relationships in the limelight. The tale of her rumored marriage with Shammi Kapoor is just one chapter in the fascinating story of her life—one that continues to captivate audiences long after the rumors have faded.