Veteran Actress Zeenat Aman Praises Deepika Padukone’s Acting
In the realm of Indian cinema, where legendary characters and timeless stories are often celebrated, a new discussion has ignited the curiosity of Bollywood enthusiasts. Deepika Padukone, a luminary of contemporary Indian film, has recently been acknowledged by the esteemed veteran actress Zeenat Aman as a prime candidate for a classic role in an iconic film’s sequel.
During an appearance on the popular series ‘Koffee with Karan 8’, streamed on Disney+Hotstar, Zeenat shared the couch with fellow actress Neetu Kapoor. The duo embarked on a nostalgic journey, traversing through tales of their illustrious careers, personal lives, and experiences as mothers and grandmothers. Host Karan Johar engaged them in candid conversations about their past works and current endeavors.
Zeenat Aman’s Vision for Satyam Shivam Sundaram’s Sequel
A highlight of the show was the rapid-fire segment, known for its playful yet revealing questions. It was in this segment that Karan inquired about Zeenat’s preferred choice to portray ‘Rupa’, the character she once immortalized in the 1978 romantic drama ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’. With no hesitation, Zeenat Aman’s answer was Deepika Padukone.
The original ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’, a film crafted by the visionary Raj Kapoor and written by Jainendra Jain, was notable for its exploration of beauty and spirituality, taking audiences on a poignant journey beside Shashi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman’s characters.
Behind the Scenes: Zeenat Aman’s Preparation for Rupa
A momentous part of the interview brought attention to how Zeenat prepared for the role of Rupa. She recalled an incident during the shooting at Esel Studios, located en route to the famous RK Studios. After wrapping up for the day, Zeenat decided to embody what she believed to be Raj Kapoor’s vision of Rupa. With tissue paper affixed to her face, her makeup meticulously applied, hair braided, and donning a traditional ghagra-choli, she presented herself to the celebrated director.
Her arrival at RK Studios was met with initial confusion. A staff member, John, questioned the identity of the unexpected visitor before Raj Kapoor invited her inside. His reaction was one of utter astonishment, witnessing Zeenat’s deep commitment to the character.
Raj Kapoor expressed his thoughts to his wife, Krishna Raj Kapoor, emphasizing Zeenat’s passion and the reasons she deserved the part. In a testament to her suitability for the role, Raj Kapoor filmed a complete reel on the song ‘Jago Mohan Pyaare’, showcasing his vision of Rupa with such grace and artistry that he considered it superior to the entire film. This clip, presented to film distributors, unequivocally convinced them of Zeenat Aman’s embodiment of Rupa, garnering interest from all quarters.
Zeenat Aman’s Silver Screen Comeback
The illustrious actress is now slated for a return to the silver screen in the upcoming film ‘Bun Tikki’. This venture will witness a constellation of stars, including Abhay Deol and Shabana Azmi, with Faraz Arif Ansari at the helm as director. Under the auspices of Manish Malhotra’s Stage 5 Productions, producers Jyoti Deshpande, Dinesh Malhotra, and Marijke Desouza are set to bring this project to life, marking a significant moment in Zeenat Aman’s storied career.
As dialogues on potential sequels and dream casting continue to captivate fans and pundits alike, the endorsement by a legend such as Zeenat Aman for an accomplished actress like Deepika Padukone adds an exquisite layer to the tapestry of Bollywood’s evolving narrative. Will we indeed see Deepika Padukone step into the hallowed role of Rupa, as envisioned by both Raj Kapoor and his leading lady, Zeenat Aman? Only time will tell if this cinematic prophecy will come to fruition.
