On February 11, Zeenat Aman, a revered name in the annals of Indian cinema, commemorated the first anniversary of her engaging and heartfelt presence on Instagram. The illustrious actress marked the occasion by sharing a snapshot that radiated sophistication: Zeenat in an elegant blazer, embodying the grace and panache that have long been her hallmarks. With the same verve with which she pioneered fresh narratives on screen, she now weaves her digital journey, celebrating her victories over technology and the joy found in embracing new chapters.
Illuminating a wisdom that defies age, Zeenat’s anniversary message was one of empowerment and enduring youthful spirit. “People presume that transformative experiences are the prerogative of the young. My experience tells me otherwise,” she mused. Exactly one year prior, her children, the prime movers behind her foray into the social platform, incited her to post for the first time. What may have seemed a trivial step symbolized a profound leap of faith for Aman, who confronted her hesitations head-on regarding tech and privacy, leading to a year of profound personal change.
She unveiled the veil of celebrity to reveal a more authentic self, navigating the vast social media landscape without the conventional trappings of managers or agents. The secret behind her adept maneuvering of Instagram and keeping abreast of the latest trends? An informal cadre of millennial guides, including photographer @tanya.agarwall_, makeup artist @_pratikshanair_, and hair stylist @makeupnhairbyankita, all of whom Zeenat affectionately hails for their supportive roles in her new venture.
Aman’s poignant reflection on transformation echoed the belief that there are no age constraints to reshaping one’s life. On her Instagram milestone, she urged her followers to indulge in a slice of cake on her behalf. In a nod to the unabated simplicity which she has embraced, her celebratory post was shot in her garden by @tanya.agarwall_, featuring her own clothes, hair, and makeup, just as she had preferred on the day she made her digital debut.
Beyond her digital exploits, Zeenat is poised to enchant audiences anew with her return to the silver screen. ‘Bun Tikki,’ the upcoming movie by director Faraz Arif Ansari after his much-lauded short ‘Sheer Qorma’ (2021), will showcase her talents alongside Bollywood luminaries Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol. The narrative, centered around a father and his junior son, delves deep into the themes of gender identity. The creative team revealed Zeenat as an integral element of the project, being the moral support of the film’s narrative. Upon reading the script, Zeenat was compelled by its alignment with her convictions, driving her decision to take part in this nuanced story.
Adding a layer of significance to ‘Bun Tikki’ is the entry of renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra into film production. Launching his production house Stage 5, Malhotra seeks to amplify cinematic tales that have yet to find their due spotlight. Interestingly, the film’s essence stands in stark contrast with the glitzy image often associated with Malhotra’s design aesthetic, signaling a meaningful shift in his creative journey.
As her influencer era gains momentum, the once screen-siren turned digital diva invites us to scroll through her online album, filled with golden memories of Bollywood’s past and her reflections on a life that continues to inspire across generations. Zeenat Aman, with her year of rich Instagram engagement, stands as a testament to the everlasting allure of transformation, whether under the arc lights or the glow of a smartphone screen.
