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Factsheet

• Was born to Abdul Saleem Askari (a dry fruit vendor) and Shadi Habib Agha (an Iranian of Afghan descent), who divorced when she was just one year old.
• Lived with her maternal grandmother and aunt after her parents' divorce.
• Entered the film industry along with her sister Malika when her family was going through a financial crisis.
• Got her first break as a child artist in the Hindi film Sanskar (1952).
• Made her debut as an adult opposite Dara Singh in Faulad (1963).
• Had an affair with Bollywood actor Shammi Kapoor when she was only 18 years old.
• Lost her mother during the shooting of Boond Jo Ban Gaye Moti (1967).
• Married the business tycoon Mayur Madhwani at age 26 and migrated to London.
• Was first offered the role of Dev Anand's sister in Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), which she refused to become the lead heroine.
• Starred in Bandhe Haath (1973) opposite Amitabh Bachchan who played double role for the first time ever.