Happy Birthday, Zeenat Aman (19/11)
Happy Birthday, Zeenat Aman (19/11).
Regarded as a path breaker of Indian cinema, she opened the new door for all the other actresses and being an inspiration for so many other heroines. A distinguished Indian actress and former fashion model, Aman’s journey in the limelight began with her modeling career. At 19, she achieved significant milestones, winning the Femina Miss India pageant and the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant in 1970. Aman’s foray into acting started in the same year, with early roles in “The Evil Within” and “Hulchul.” Her major breakthrough came with “Haré Rama Haré Krishna” (1971), earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. This success was the start of a stellar career that defined the 1970s Bollywood.
Zeenat Aman became synonymous with strong, independent characters in films like “Roti Kapada Aur Makaan,” “Ajanabee,” and “The Great Gambler.” Her role in “Satyam Shivam Sundaram” (1978) garnered a Filmfare Best Actress nomination, and her portrayal of the CBI agent Roma in “Don” (1978) left a lasting impact, contributing to the creation of the Don franchise. The 1980s saw Aman in leading roles across various films, including “Abdullah,” “Qurbani,” and “Insaf Ka Tarazu,” the latter earning her another Filmfare nomination. Her acting journey continued through the decade with notable performances in “Laawaris,” “Mahaan,” and “Pukar.” After marrying actor Mazhar Khan in 1985, Aman took a step back from films, returning in 1999 with “Bhopal Express.” Post-2003, she embraced roles in independent films like “Ugly Aur Pagli” and “Dil Toh Deewana Hai.” Her cameo in “Panipat” (2019) and upcoming lead role in “Margaon: The Closed File” mark her remarkable comeback. Apart from cinema, Aman made her theatre debut in 2004 in “The Graduate” and continues to explore stage acting. She also ventured into web series with “Love Life & Screw Ups” in 2017, receiving praise for her performance. As we celebrate Zeenat Aman’s birthday, we reflect on her journey — a blend of grace, talent, and resilience. Her roles have not just entertained but also inspired generations, making her a true icon of Indian cinema.
