Stars must help needy people from film industry: Asha Parekh

Veteran actress Asha Parekh feels superstars must come forward and extend a helping hand towards workers from the film industry, who often strive to make their ends meet.
The yesteryear star, for whom acting has taken a backseat now, has devoted herself to social causes.
The 71-year-old actress is part of the Film Industry Welfare Trust and she strongly believes in helping the needy in the film industry.
"I am a trustee of Film Industry Welfare Trust. We help the industry people. I would like the newcomers to do something for the industry, if not solo then through an association. I think the big stars should come together and form a trust and do something for ordinary workers and technicians," Parekh told PTI.

"There are lots of people who need aid of various kind. We help them in areas of health and education of their kids," she said, explaining the projects undertaken by the welfare trust.
Besides this, she runs the Asha Parekh Hospital in suburban Mumbai.

The popular actress of 1960s and 70s seems happy with the fact that women-oriented films are being churned out in Bollywood.
"The film industry has moved technologically ahead. Also, the content is very good. Good heroine-oriented films are being made today, which is a good thing. There are talented directors as well."
She is a movie buff and tries to catch up with new releases, "I like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan... They all are doing very good job. I love Deepika Padukone... She is also doing extremely well. These are the stars we look up to."

"I try to keep track of latest releases. The latest film that I saw was 'Ram Leela'... It is really nice... A beautifully made film," she said.
The actress, who gave memorable films like 'Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai', 'Teesri Manzil', 'Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki' and 'Kati Patang' has no plans to stage a comeback on screen.
"I don't want to work... I am not going to work. I have already worked so much. I was doing films as well as stage and now doing a lot of social work. I am not out of the industry... I am here but in a different way.