“Is it Dior, Chanel?” Zeenat Aman wonders aloud when asked about her lavender-tinted sunglasses. “It is Gucci,” someone informs, and Aman nods, beaming sweetly. The 72-year-old veteran Hindi film actor exudes a stately exuberance in the stark conference room where she awaits her interview. Recently, she attended the #WeSeeEqual summit, a corporate event at Procter & Gamble’s Mumbai offices aimed at fostering discussions on parity, inclusion, and mental health. Aman, who sensationally debuted on Instagram in 2023, has used her social media presence to advocate for various social causes.
As our conversation begins, Aman politely asks, “Can I refer to my notes?” and we dive into various topics, starting with her unique connection with today’s youth, especially Gen-Z.
### Connecting with Gen-Z on Social Media
Zeenat Aman has struck a phenomenal resonance with the youth, especially those from Gen-Z. When asked for her advice on utilizing social media with purpose, she remarks, “Firstly, I feel the current generation is more aware and well-informed than we ever were at their age. It has been wonderful for me to connect with them as a septuagenarian. Astonishingly, 60% of my Instagram followers fall between the ages of 25 and 44. It’s a delightful, unexpected, and exciting position I find myself in.”
“My only word of advice to youngsters is to see the Internet as a space for more than just uploading selfies. They should educate themselves on DEA — diversity, equity, and inclusion. This generation is so clued in; it’s crucial for them to find a cause, campaign, or organization that resonates with them and to support it.”
### Addressing the Stigma Around Mental Health
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the topic of mental health emerges as a critical conversation point. Aman notes the persistent stigma around seeking help in India. “If anyone feels overwhelmed by life, they should get support. There’s no shame in seeking therapy. Nowadays, there are numerous avenues available, both online and offline.”
She highlights the peer pressure prevalent among the youth, especially online, which adversely affects their mental well-being. “They need to be kind to others and themselves,” she advises. Parents, too, have a significant role to play. “Parents should support their kids, irrespective of what they are going through, whether it’s at work, school, or in private relationships. In India, families often impose onerous expectations on their children, dictating everything from careers to marriage. We should allow young people the freedom to find themselves and live according to what makes them happy.”
### Gender Pay Gap in the Film Industry
Discussing the gender pay gap in the film industry, Aman remains candid about the systemic issues. “While there is a conversation about gender pay parity, we still have a long way to go.
. Essentially, it’s a patriarchal society where films are mostly written for and about men. The business of cinema centers largely on the leading man, resulting in much larger paychecks for men. Women worldwide are struggling for equal pay, and this is not unique to India or Hindi cinema.”
### Challenging the Traditional Hindi Film Heroine
Reflecting on her career choices, Aman suggests that her unconventional background inspired her to take up roles that challenged traditional images of the Hindi film heroine. “Coming from a diverse background – with a Hindu mother who first married a Muslim man, then a German Protestant – I had a broad perspective. As a young girl, I excelled academically and won a scholarship to study in southern California, the hub of Flower Power and hippiedom. These experiences shaped my worldview.”
Thus, when offered unusual roles with shades of grey, like those in “Haré Rama Haré Krishna” and “Roti Kapada Aur Makaan,” she embraced them with conviction.
### Social Media Appearance and Public Perception
Aman’s Instagram posts frequently make headlines, often inviting varied reactions from the public and celebrities alike. She reflects, “It does take me back to the tabloid circuses of the 1970s. But with time, I’ve learned to come to terms with it. I’ve realized it’s all part of the journey. As the saying goes, ‘logon ka kaam hai kehna’ (people will talk). In the digital age, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and so am I. Whether someone agrees or disagrees with me, it’s fine.”
### Upcoming Film ‘Bun Tikki’
Anticipation builds as Aman speaks about her upcoming film, “Bun Tikki,” co-starring Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol. “Shabana and I worked together in ‘Ishk Ishk Ishk’ (1971) and ‘Ashanti’ (1982). We had a lot of fun on those films, and the same holds true for ‘Bun Tikki.’ The story focuses on Abhay and the young boy who plays his son. Shabana plays the grandmother, and as for my role…well, that’s a surprise! I’m doing a special appearance in the film.”
At this stage in her career, Aman asserts, “I don’t want to prove anything to anybody. I just want to do little parts that bring me joy and don’t exhaust me.”
Through her wide-ranging experiences and roles, Zeenat Aman continues to resonate with audiences, irrespective of the era.
