She made her Bollywood debut with the film 'Jeevan Mrityu' in 1970, under the banner of Rajshri Production, where she was cast opposite Dharmendra.
The actresss, who was featured in several hit films like 'Heera Panna', 'Daag', 'Kabhie Kabhie', 'Muqaddar Ka Sikander', 'Kasme Vaade', 'Kaala Patthar', was shot to fame with the movie 'Sharmilee'.
Best known for setting up romantic pair with the Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, she did eight hit films with the superstar including 'Kabhie Kabhie', 'Muqaddar Ka Sikander', 'Kasme Vaade', 'Trishul', 'Kaala Patthar', 'Jurmana', 'Barsaat Ki Ek Raat', and 'Bemisal'.
The powerhouse actress was well praised for her role in 'Shakti', where she portrayed the role of Bachchan's mother. She received critical acclaim for her role in the award winning Bengali film 'Paroma', which dealt with a serious and controversial issue.
In 2003, the actress added another feather to her crown as she was conferred Padma Shri Award, by the Government of India.
The actress holds the record of being most-nominated female performer in the Filmfare awards.
The actress's first marriage with Bengali director Ajay Biswas was short lived. The actress later married lyricist turned director Gulzar, with whom she has a daughter named Meghna Gulzar, who is also a director.