In a remarkable revelation, Bollywood’s iconic 70s diva Zeenat Aman has taken to Instagram to share an intriguing story from her illustrious career. Known for her unforgettable roles and glamorous presence on screen, Zeenat revisited her experience surrounding her casting in Raj Kapoor’s celebrated film, ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’. This anecdote not only sheds light on her resourcefulness and determination but also serve as a testament to the challenges she faced to overcome stereotypes related to her modern image.
A picture shared by Zeenat on her social media captures her with Raj Kapoor during the filming of ‘Vakil Babu’. This photo holds significant sentimentality for Zeenat as she announced that December would mark the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary filmmaker. With great affection for Raj Kapoor, she has recounted the tale of securing her part in ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’ numerous times, yet its recurrence is warranted due to its pivotal impact on her storied career.
The year was 1981, a time when Zeenat Aman had already established herself as a star in Bollywood, known for her bold roles and fashion-forward choices. However, it was also the year she started working on ‘Vakil Babu’ alongside Shashi Kapoor, with Raj Kapoor in a titular role. It was then that Raj Kapoor shared his vision for a new film about a man enamored by a woman’s voice yet struggling to accept her physical appearance. Although he spoke passionately about this story, there was no indication that Zeenat was considered for this enigmatic female lead, Rupa.
Zeenat recounts her growing frustration during those days. Despite her stardom, she sensed her modern image, characterized by stylish mini skirts and mod boots, was a hindrance. Determined to change Raj Kapoor’s perception, Zeenat devised a bold plan to demonstrate she was the right fit for Rupa. She knew Raj Kapoor spent ample time at “The Cottage,” a cozy corner in his expansive R.
.K. Studio. It served as a gathering space where he often hosted meetings, seated on a meticulously kept mattress.
One evening, after wrapping up her commitments on set, Zeenat lingered in her dressing room. There, she took transformative steps to embody Rupa. She dressed in a traditional ghagra choli, braided her hair with a parandi, and even engaged in a bit of theatrical makeup, using tissue paper secured with glue to manufacture scars, all in pursuit of illustrating Rupa’s character.
Her bold attire and disguise puzzled Raj Kapoor’s assistant, John, as she arrived at The Cottage. Yet, she persisted, requesting him to inform Raj Kapoor that “Rupa ayi hai” (Rupa has arrived). Zeenat’s commitment to reinventing herself for the role was a cunning way to redirect attention to her versatility, transcending the confines of a typecast image that had been built around her established persona.
As if leaving audiences once again on the edge, Zeenat Aman has chosen to pause her story here, promising more revelations to come. This strategic sharing promises another captivating installment at a later date, proving that even decades later, Zeenat continues to masterfully command the stage—be it through film or the digital realm of social storytelling.
Looking back, Zeenat Aman’s anecdote highlights a time in the film industry where adaptability and a strategic approach were crucial, particularly for actresses who sought to break out of the mold. Her experience underscores a narrative familiar to many in the entertainment industry: the ongoing struggle against typecasting and the need to reinvent oneself to achieve a role that defies norms. As her followers eagerly await the next segment of this tale, Zeenat’s historic endeavor remains an inspiring blueprint for aspiring artists to emulate, demonstrating how innovation and determination can pave the way to achieving one’s aspirations.
