Zeenat Aman, a name synonymous with the trailblazing era of Bollywood in the 70s and 80s, has recently turned to Instagram to share more than just snapshots from her life; her posts are layered with insights and personal advice that resonate with her audience. In a refreshing blend of personal anecdotes and societal commentary, the veteran actress has shared her perspective on relationships, which comes paired with an introduction to her beloved canine companion, Lily.
Fans of Zeenat Aman were delighted as she shared a glimpse of her garden escapades with Lily, an affectionate desi dog she rescued from the streets of Bombay. “Two birds, one post!” Zeenat exclaimed, illustrating her playtime with her “madcap” pet. The actress underlined her commitment to pet rescue and adoption, highlighting how Lily has become her cherished shadow.
However, it wasn’t just the pictures of Lily that caught the attention of the actress’s followers; it was her response to a query on relationship advice that sparked conversations. In her post, Aman disclosed a personal viewpoint she has held close: the recommendation for couples to embark on a journey of cohabitation before contemplating marriage. This piece of advice is not just something she preaches but has practiced, having given the same counsel to her sons, both of whom have either experienced or are currently in live-in relationships.
Exploring the depths of her assertion, Aman reflected on the practicalities of sharing lives under the same roof. She posed questions that challenge the ideal of presenting one’s best self during limited interactions – highlighting the realities of sharing daily routines, moods, meals, and managing subtle conflicts. Aman emphasized the ultimate test of compatibility before involving families and legal frameworks in a relationship.
Zeenat Aman’s openness about such a topic illuminates her recognition of society’s reservations towards live-in relationships, acknowledging the conservative outlook of Indian society concerning what is commonly termed “living in sin.” Yet, her candid post underscores the belief that society’s unease extends to various aspects of progressive change, encapsulated in the phrase “Log kya kahenge?” (What will people say?).
In sharing her thoughts, Zeenat Aman continues to challenge norms, much like she did during her acting career. She broke conventional barriers by choosing roles that many of her contemporaries steered clear from, earning her a reputation as a daring and iconic figure in Indian cinema. Her illustrious career, spanning from the unyielding Rupa of ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’ to the gritty Janice of ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’, and the myriad of other memorable characters, has left an indelible mark on Bollywood.
The post comes amid news of Zeenat Aman’s return to the silver screen with the upcoming movie ‘Bun Tikki,’ where she will share screen space with Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol. Notably, the film reunites Aman with Azmi after a hiatus of forty-one years, stirring excitement and nostalgia. Their last project together was the 1982 film ‘Ashanti.’ In a recent interview, Azmi reminisced about her early days working with Aman, recalling how despite being a major star at the time, Aman’s approachability and politeness left a significant impact on her.
The forthcoming project, ‘Bun Tikki’, represents a rare cinematic occurrence, weaving together talents across generations. With production by Manish Malhotra, the film is anticipated eagerly by fans of all the involved actors, expecting the same magnetic chemistry that Zeenat Aman and her peers have brought to the screen in the past.
As Zeenat Aman embraces the dual role of an influencer and artist, her recent Instagram musing on relationships exemplifies her continued engagement with cultural discourse and her ability to inspire her audience by sharing her perspectives on life, love, and everything in between.
