Veteran actress and beloved fashion icon Zeenat Aman recently took to social media to share a nostalgic reflection on her illustrious career and her complicated relationship with high-fashion designer outfits. In an Instagram post, she revealed how she has always been a casual dresser, finding most designer outfits impractical for everyday wear.
In a captivating picture that accompanies her post, Zeenat can be seen donning a sculpted 3D dress in an earthy shade, humorously captioned that she gives her best “Komondor” impression—an allusion to the dog breed known for its mop-like coat. This image serves as a lighthearted prelude to a deeper narrative that Zeenat unfolds about her extensive experience with designer clothing and haute couture.
Zeenat’s post goes on to pay homage to Bhanu Athaiya, the first Indian to ever win an Academy Award. Athaiya is an iconic figure in the world of cinema and fashion, noted for her meticulous and creative prowess. Zeenat elaborates, “I’ve been blessed by the hand of many a genius in my life. The very best in not just cinema, but also fashion. The formidably talented Bhanu Athaiya, India’s first Academy Award winner, designed my costumes for over 15 movies including Satyam Shivam Sundaram.”
The partnership between Zeenat Aman and Bhanu Athaiya was not just professional but also deeply personal. Athaiya was known for her rigorous attention to detail and her ability to turn fantastical ideas into tangible, wearable art. Zeenat recalls how Bhanu, after their first few projects together, went ahead to create a mannequin to her exact measurements. This mannequin stood in Athaiya’s studio as a silent template upon which she draped her creative visions. Zeenat admirably mentions, “I only had to pop in very occasionally for trials, an arrangement that was most suitable to my schedule. No other designer in my life has come close to creating outfits for me that were as comfortable as they were sensual.”
In a continued marvel at Athaiya’s talents, Zeenat further illustrates how the designer’s skills left an indelible imprint on her career. “She was prolific and meticulous,” Zeenat wrote, encapsulating Athaiya’s genius. Through this personal recount, it is evident that Athaiya’s contributions were pivotal in shaping Zeenat’s onscreen personas, elevating her status to that of a true fashion icon.
In an insightful twist, Zeenat Aman also acknowledges the irony of her reputation as a high-fashion diva.
. “I am constantly tickled by my persona as a woman of high fashion. Those who know me know that I am quite the casual dresser. One who finds most designer outfits unwearable!” she wrote, adding a touch of humor to her self-reflection. She recalls how an exceptionally wealthy friend from her network, who owns opulent mansions in Dubai and London, often gifted her high-end couture. These luxurious pieces, much to her friend’s dismay, ended up languishing in Zeenat’s wardrobe.
Zeenat’s reflections extend to her most cherished possessions—her mother’s heirloom saris. These exquisite garments, rich in sentimental value, also remain largely unworn. “My mother’s exquisite saris, the most meaningful clothing I own, also languish in the depths of my closet. Perhaps one day I will have the wherewithal to wear them or repurpose them into new outfits more suitable to my taste,” Zeenat shared. She thus hints at a future where she might reinvent these precious pieces to align with her style preferences, thereby bridging the old with the new.
Concluding on a lighter note, Zeenat Aman cheekily noted, “Anyway, here I am. Giving my best Komondor (it’s a dog breed, look it up and tell me if I’m wrong) impression. All in the name of fashion.” This closing line perfectly encapsulates her grounded yet effervescent personality, balancing her respect for fashion with her down-to-earth persona.
On the professional front, Zeenat Aman is set to star in the highly-anticipated Netflix series ‘The Royals’, joining an ensemble cast that includes Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Milind Soman, and Dino Morea. The series promises to be a significant addition to her already impressive body of work.
Such recollections from Zeenat Aman not only serve to commemorate Bhanu Athaiya’s remarkable legacy but also provide a glimpse into the real personality behind the glamorous facade—a woman of simplicity, elegance, and profound humility. The post is a touching tribute to the blend of comfort and high art that Bhanu Athaiya effortlessly brought into Zeenat Aman’s life and career.
(With inputs from IANS)
