“Is it Dior, Chanel?” Zeenat Aman wonders aloud when I inquire about her lavender-tinted sunglasses. From a corner, someone chimes in, “It is Gucci,” and Aman nods along with a smile. “It is Gucci,” she affirms cheerfully. At 72, Aman radiates an unmistakable charm, standing out sharply in the minimalist conference room where we first meet. The veteran Hindi film actor recently graced the #WeSeeEqual summit, a corporate gathering aimed at fostering discussions on parity, inclusion, and mental health. Held at the Procter & Gamble offices in Mumbai, the summit resonated well with Aman, who has used her newfound social media prominence—particularly after her sensational debut on Instagram in 2023—to champion various causes. “May I look at my notes?” she asks politely as we settle into our conversation.
Edited excerpts from the conversation with the legendary actor follow:
**On Connecting with Gen-Z Via Social Media**
Aman has struck a surprising yet deep connection with the youth, particularly Gen-Z. When asked for her advice on using social media purposefully, she observes, “The current generation is more aware and well-informed than anyone of my time was at their age. It’s been wonderful for me, as a septuagenarian, to connect with them. Recently, I discovered that 60% of my Instagram followers are between 25 and 44 years old. It’s a delightful, unexpected, and exciting position I find myself in.”
Aman advises the younger generation to view the Internet as a platform for more than just uploading selfies. “They should educate themselves on DEA—diversity, equity, and inclusion. Given how tuned-in this generation is, it’s important for them to find a cause, campaign, or organization that speaks to them and find a way to support it.”
**Mental Health Awareness and Stigma in India**
May marks mental health awareness month, and Aman emphasizes the importance of seeking help. “If anyone feels overwhelmed by life, they should get support. There’s no shame in seeking therapy, and now there are many avenues available, both online and offline. Among the youth, I’ve observed a lot of peer pressure, especially on the Internet, which affects their mental well-being. They need to be kind to others as well as to themselves.”
Aman also highlights the role of supportive parents. “Families in India often have onerous expectations of their children, dictating everything from careers to marriage. We should allow young people to find themselves and live their lives according to what makes them happy.”
**Addressing the Gender Pay Gap in the Film Industry**
Aman has openly discussed the gender pay gap in the film industry, and when asked if she anticipates a shift towards equal pay, she responds thoughtfully: “The conversation has started, but there is still a long way to go. Essentially, we live in a patriarchal society, and films are predominantly written about and for men. The cinema business still revolves around the leading man, and as a result, men’s paychecks are much larger.
. This struggle for equal pay is not unique to India or Hindi cinema; it is a global issue.”
**Challenging Conventional Roles in Hindi Cinema**
Reflecting on her career, Aman explains her affinity for roles that defied the traditional image of the Hindi film heroine. “I come from an unconventional background. I was born to a Hindu mother who first married a Muslim man and then a German Protestant. I was academically accomplished as a young girl and won a scholarship to southern California, which was a hub of Flower Power, love, and hippiedom at the time. These experiences shaped my worldview. So when I was offered roles with grey shades or unusual parts, like in ‘Haré Rama Haré Krishna’ where I played a troubled drug addict who commits suicide, or ‘Roti Kapada Aur Makaan’ where I play a woman who leaves a poor man for a rich one but eventually sacrifices her life, I took them up with conviction.”
**Navigating Modern-Day Media and Social Media Scrutiny**
Aman’s Instagram posts often make headlines and elicit reactions from other celebrities, evoking memories of the tabloid frenzy of the 1970s. She laughs, “It does take me back to those days when everything was all over the place. But I have learned to come to terms with it. I’ve realized it’s all part of the journey. In the digital age, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and so am I. Whether someone agrees or disagrees with me, it’s fine.”
**’Bun Tikki’: A Film with Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol**
Finally, Aman shares insights about her upcoming movie, ‘Bun Tikki,’ featuring Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol. “Shabana and I previously worked together in ‘Ishk Ishk Ishk’ (1971) and ‘Ashanti’ (1982). We had great fun on those films, and the same goes for ‘Bun Tikki.’ The story primarily revolves around Abhay and the little boy who plays his son. Shabana plays the grandmother, and I… well, that’s a surprise! I’m making a special appearance in the film. At this stage in my career, I’m not out to prove anything to anyone. I’ve been there and done that. Now, I just want to take on roles that bring me joy and don’t exhaust me.”
Zeenat Aman remains an iconic figure in Indian cinema and continues to captivate audiences with her wisdom, candor, and indomitable spirit.
