First person: Scent of a woman
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.”