In a candid and evocative social media post, veteran actress Zeenat Aman took her Instagram followers on a nostalgic journey back to the 1970s, a period she proclaimed as unmatchable in terms of freedom, fashion, and experimentation, despite the constant presence of moral policing.
Zeenat Aman, an iconic figure from Indian cinema, has become a beloved voice on social media, where she frequently shares rare stories from her illustrious career spanning the ’70s and ’80s. Her posts not only offer a glimpse into the golden era of Bollywood but also impart precious life lessons to the younger generation. In her latest post, Aman delved into the theme of ‘moral policing’ and recounted her experiences while playing pioneering roles that broke conventional barriers.
Aman began her post by reflecting on her groundbreaking role in the 1974 film ‘Manoranjan,’ where she portrayed a sex worker named Nisha. Despite facing moral scrutiny, Zeenat maintained that it was one of her best performances, showcasing a character who was both sexually liberated and financially independent. She shared, “If I’ve had a steady companion through my career, it’s been the moral police. And, my goodness, did they have a field day with this one! ‘Manoranjan’ defied existing conventions. It was an adaptation of the fabulous 1963 American comedy ‘Irma La Douce’, and it featured me in the starring role of Nisha, a sex worker with a sense of dignity, independence, and humor.”
The actress painted a vivid picture of the film’s production, noting the familial and collegial atmosphere on set. “Filming ‘Manoranjan’ was a ‘haste-haste, khelte-khelte’ affair. It was Shammi Kapoor’s directorial debut, had RD Burman in the role of music director, and Sanjeev Kumar as the leading man. The producer FC Mehra was a family friend. We shot the film entirely in studios in Mumbai, and it released in 1974,” she reminisced.
Aman emphasized that her character Nisha was no damsel in distress.
. “Her outfits were flirtatious and sexy, but more importantly, she was unapologetic about how she earns a living. This was a character that I could have fun with: sexually liberated, financially independent, and fully capable of locking horns with, and turning down, any man,” she stated.
Recounting her experience working under Shammi Kapoor’s direction, Aman expressed her gratitude for his mentorship. “I’ve always maintained that I am a ‘director’s actor’, and I do believe Shammi ji coaxed out one of my better performances with this film. The music and costumes were also a hoot,” she added. She pointed out memorable sequences such as “aaya hoon main tujh ko le jaoonga,” where they danced upon gigantic musical instruments, and “chori chori solah singar,” which featured a titillating shower sequence.
Aman humorously described the song “dulhan maike chali,” which is picturized entirely in a police van full of sex workers being taken to the police station and sung by the three iconic Mangeshkar sisters—Lata, Asha, and Usha Mangeshkar. She invited her followers to explore these unforgettable sequences on YouTube for a taste of 1970s Bollywood.
Eventually, Aman circled back to the broader theme of her post: the unparalleled spirit of the 1970s. “The 70s was a wonderful time to live,” she declared. “Despite the moral police (they’re always around), the atmosphere of experimentation, freedom, and fashion was unmatchable.”
Her post elicited a warm response from followers and fellow celebrities alike, including actress Priyanka Chopra, who commented, “Moral police is still around and will continue to be around it seems! But you are beyond.” Chopra’s words echoed the admiration many hold for Aman’s fearless and trailblazing journey in an era that constantly tried to constrain her.
Zeenat Aman’s reflection not only evoked a sense of nostalgia but also served as a powerful reminder of the timeless struggle against societal constraints and the importance of artistic freedom. Her recounting underscores the enduring impact of an era that, despite its challenges, laid the groundwork for the vibrant, multifaceted industry that Bollywood continues to be today.
