For the once sex-symbol of Bollywood who replaced stereotypes of sobbing, singing simpletons with a maverick’s disposition, Zeenat Aman maintains a gaze that is low, as she responds to my questions backstage at Shaan-e-Pakistan.

Donning looks that still remain quite unaffected by the passage of time, it seems rather hard to reckon while meeting her in person, that the heart throb who had generations sway and submit to her spirited numbers and style statements has retreated into a subtle sexagenarian.

“Women have to learn to counter and break free from all acts of violence and oppression, whether domestic or outside their home,” says the stalwart, who ignited the silver screen with defiant, unconventional roles in the ’70s and ’80s, but was herself victimised by a tumultuous, abusive, marital relationship. “This is my message to women all over.”

“The past is history and one has to learn to forget it and move on in life,” says Zeenat Aman who ignited the silver screen with defiant, unconventional roles in the ’70s and ’80s

Talking in hushed tones, the still ‘sexy at 60’ ex-superstar is refraining from doing any more films, though many of her contemporaries are still taking up cameo or other roles, and likes it that way. “I am doing a lot of other stuff that keeps me productively busy. There’s so much one can contribute to. For now, my life revolves around my sons, Zahaan and Azaan.”

Though she’s not a part of the film that her son Azaan Khan is currently producing, Zeenat lends constant support to him, advising and assisting, whenever and wherever need be. “A Pakistani actor is also starring in the film that Azaan is doing. It will be released in a few months and I plan to visit Pakistan again on the film’s release.”

Zeenat Aman said that she was overwhelmed by the hospitality and warmth of Lahore, and should have visited earlier. “We need more of such initiatives that will enhance exchange at different levels between the two countries.”

Commenting on her visit to Lahore, Zeenat Aman said that she was overwhelmed by the hospitality and warmth of the people and should have visited earlier. “We need more of such initiatives that will enhance exchange at different levels between the two countries. Platforms like Shaan-e-Pakistan are the need of the times and will take the two countries forward in a positive direction.”

Living a single life since the demise of her second husband, Mazhar Khan, in 1998, rumours abound that she may be all set to tie the nuptial knot again. Is marriage on the cards for Zeenat? “No. The rumours are baseless and false. I have two grown-up sons and now it’s their time to get settled.”

Did Cupid shoot the wrong arrows at one of the most enchanting women of her time? “The past is history and one has to learn to forget it and move on in life. It’s best to stay more focussed on the present,” she replies, lending weight to the widely-believed adage that the prettiest women are quite often the loneliest.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, April 3rd, 2016