Zeenat Aman, the iconic Bollywood actress known for her eloquence and fearless opinions, has once again taken to social media to express her discontent. In a recent Instagram post, she has publicly criticized luxury brands for offering her significantly lower fees compared to what they pay to other brand ambassadors. This has sparked a new debate among netizens who are eager to decipher who she might be alluding to.
In a poignant message accompanied by a series of photos from a recent photoshoot, Zeenat Aman shared her frustrations regarding the industry’s underappreciation of her worth. Her caption opened with a blunt statement: “Thank you, but no thank you. I can’t tell you my precise worth, but I do know when I’m being undervalued.” She explained that while her inbox is flooded with collaboration and appearance requests, some stand out for the wrong reasons. “Last-minute invitations that the organizer forgot to edit (and which are addressed to another celebrity who must have declined) are mildly insulting. Impolite emails with minimal details and brusque ‘share commercials’ are infuriating. And shady proposals to post stories or comments without the paid partnership tag are distasteful,” she wrote.
Zeenat went on to articulate her dismay over how multimillion-dollar brands attempt to exploit her reputation for minimal compensation. “Yet none of these compare to the impudence of multimillion-dollar brands that expect my endorsement in exchange for ‘brand association’ and a ludicrously low fee. Such luxury brands pay eye-watering amounts to their ambassadors (one of whom beautifully reprised a role I originally played) and sell even their most basic items for multiple lakhs of rupees. In their outreach to me, they do not fail to express their admiration with generous terms such as ‘icon’ and ‘fashion inspiration.’ But when it comes to actually compensating me for my time, energy, reputation, and reach… the well runs dry,” she stated.
Zeenat Aman didn’t stop there. She elaborated on her journey in the industry and her intrinsic value, stating, “I am over 70 years old, and I have held my own in this industry for over half a century. I work with what I know to be an unusual professionalism. I have a social media audience that is not only entirely organic but so beautifully engaged.
. I have immense respect for myself and for you who follow my page. I am certainly worth more than the price of a designer handbag or high-heel shoe.”
Zeenat’s message has ignited a flurry of responses. Netizens are abuzz with speculation, with many suggesting she was referring to Priyanka Chopra, who famously reprised Zeenat’s role in the modern adaptation of the classic film, “Don.” One user commented, “Looks like – PC did reprise her role in Don,” while another said, “It sounds like Priyanka Chopra.” A third user added, “WORD. This honest pen is about to bring changes, I know it!”
This isn’t the first time Zeenat Aman has shared her candid thoughts on social media. Known for her forthrightness, she has a history of addressing pertinent issues. This latest post seems to resonate deeply with her followers, many of whom have applauded her courage to speak out against what they see as systemic unfairness in the entertainment and luxury endorsement ecosystem.
Aman’s recent commentary may very well serve as a catalyst for change. It shines a light on issues surrounding fair compensation and respect for veteran artists in an industry that often prefers fresh faces and new trends. For an actress who has been a cornerstone of Bollywood’s glamorous past, her pushback against modern-day exploitation is a testament to her enduring relevance and her unyielding sense of self-worth.
The luxury brand industry, known for its high stakes and high rewards, typically thrives on the allure of celebrity endorsements. However, Aman’s confrontation throws a wrench into what is often seen as a glossy and unblemished facet of the fashion world. It raises questions about the criteria used to determine an ambassador’s worth and whether experience and legacy are considered less valuable than current popularity metrics.
As the public conversation around Zeenat Aman’s post continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the luxury brands and the industry at large will respond. Will they step up to rectify the disparities and offer more equitable deals? Or will they continue to adhere to practices that have faced criticism from multiple quarters?
Zeenat Aman’s audacious stand has undoubtedly stirred the pot, making it clear that seasoned stars with a profound legacy demand and deserve respect and fair compensation. Her assertive stance might just be the wake-up call the luxury industry needs, compelling it to reevaluate its values and approaches.
