Parveen’s modelling career began in 1972 and was quickly followed by her film debut with the film Charitra (1973) opposite cricketer Salim Durrani. The film was a resounding flop but Parveen was noticed and was snapped up for several more films. Her first major hit was Majboor (1974) opposite Amitabh Bachchan. Along with Zeenat Aman, Parveen Babi helped change the image of the Indian film heroine. She was the first Indian actress to have been featured on TIME magazine’s cover, in July 1976, much to the consternation of her contemporaries.
Parveen was considered to be one of the most successful actresses of her era. She appeared opposite Amitabh Bachchan in Deewaar (1975) Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Shaan (1980), Kaalia (1981), and Khud-daar (1982). She also appeared in other hit films such as Suhaag (1979 film) (1979), Kaala Patthar (1979), Namak Halaal (1982), Meri Aawaaz Suno (1981) and The Burning Train (1980). She appeared in offbeat films like Vinod Pande’s Yeh Nazdeekiyan (1982), playing the role of the “other woman” opposite Marc Zuber.