Zeenat Aman has always been a trend setter. At a time when mainstream cinema was strictly binary — the leading lady was pure as the driven snow, the shady ladies knocked back scotch on the rocks while blowing sexy smoke rings and shimmying around stick-in-the-mud heroes, the characters Zeenat played changed things around with their choices, their clothes and even their accent. So you had flower child Janice/Jasbeer from Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971) choosing to stay with hippies rather than her dysfunctional family or Sheetal in Roti Kapda aur Makaan choosing the rich Mohan Babu (a dashing Shashi Kapoor) over her grim, unemployed boyfriend Bharat (Manoj Kumar).
Forty years later, things have changed and still remained the same for lovely Ms Aman. “I was one of the first people to work on a web series three or four years ago, before everybody else jumped on the bandwagon,” she says with a laugh. “It is called Love, Life & Screw Ups . We have just completed season two. The two seasons are going to be re-released together.”
Admitting that streaming platforms are a game changer, the 67-year-old says, “People who were not getting work in mainstream cinema, or those who have artistic talent or are theatrically inclined, are now getting the opportunity to do great work. There are earthy scripts being written, and some great performances happening. It is interesting to see what will unfold in the future, with all the different projects that are underway.”
Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman in the Hindi film "Laawaris" on Sony Max.
The ‘Baat Ban Jaye’ girl says she is guilty of binge watching. “I was reading an article which said it is so unhealthy to binge watch. You are sleep deprived, it affects your health. You are watching till 2, 3, 4 in the morning and you cannot stop. I recently watched Queer Eye . It is a wonderful story about these gay men who are assigned to people who need help.”
The star of blockbusters from the 70s and 80s has watched Season 1 of Sacred Games . “I found it impactful. I am kind of looking forward to Season 2 even though it has mixed reports.”
Zeenat, who was in Bengaluru for the launch of Columbia Pacific Communities’ senior living community project, The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences, believes in positive ageing. “Relax, and enjoy it. (laughs) It is inevitable. Science has come such a long way. People are aware now about what to eat, about the probiotics in your intestine (laughs), the right supplements, your calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B 12... People are well informed. It is much easier to grow old at this point in time.”
Chennai: 13/07/2011: The Hindu: Metro PlusL Dostana, starring Amitabh Bachchan in Max TV.
Commenting that she goes through phases in her approach to healthy living. “There are times when I am very, very diligent and there are times when I sort of fall off the wagon a bit.” Zeenat’s eyes light up as she says, “Eating desserts and not exercising and having that really nice, luscious brownie...”
On plastic surgery, Zeenat says, “Is there for the taking. I have no issues with it. If people want to improve the way they look, the way they present themselves, more power to them. If you are with a good surgeon, and there are no major health risks, why not? Now that I am at the age that I am, I would definitely consider it.”
The actor feels, “Women have always wanted to look attractive. Irrespective of Instagram. It is inherent in every girl, to want that extra sparkle in her eyes, extra shine in her hair and bounce in her walk.” Zeenat feels it would be a cause for concern only, “If it is the be all and end all of your life. It should be a part of your identity and not be your identity.”
Family means a lot to the actor. When asked if she could travel through time, which moment would she prefer, Zeenat says, “I am a great student and fan of history. And there are many, many eras that seem very inviting. But I would love to go back to the wonderful times that I spent with my mother. I was very close to her.She was very dear to me. And I want to go back and relive the time with her. She was the parent that brought me up, she was my world. Everything was about her and for her and being the best that I could be to make her happy.”
Karnataka Bengaluru 10/09/2019 Actor Zeenat Aman during the inter action with THE HINDU in Bengaluru on September 10, 2019. Photo: Sampath Kumar G P /The Hindu
Zeenat is quite the doting mom to her two sons Azaan and Zahaan Khan. Azaan is a director whose bank heist film has done the festival rounds. “He is looking to release it on a digital platform now. My younger son is musically inclined and doing work for web series and ads.”
The actor has been quoted as saying for a biopic on herself, she would like Priyanka Chopra to play her part. “She has a dusky charm and sensuality. And of course, she played Roma in Don (laughs) I think that is where it came from. Through the years she has been very charming. Even though we weren’t in touch, every year on my birthday, she would send me flowers, which is so sweet.”
And then there was a mention of an autobiography. The last time the glamazon spoke with this writer, she said she considered the offer and decided against it. “I have not opened that chapter yet. I don't know. I obviously never ‘say never’ to anything. There is always a possibility that you might revisit something and want to do it.”
Zeenat, who says her style mantra, “At this point in my life is to be elegant, be comfortable,” will be next seen on the big screen as Sakina Begum in Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Panipat, which is set to release on December 6, 2019. While the look has not been revealed, here is hoping she will rock it like she always does.
