In an intimate and heartfelt revelation on Instagram, veteran Bollywood actress Zeenat Aman delved deep into a difficult chapter of her life, sharing with her followers the lesser-known struggles she endured when work offers began to wane. Known for her glamorous roles in iconic films such as “Don,” “Qurbani,” and “Hare Rama Hare Krishna,” Aman’s candid post provides a rare glimpse into the stark realities behind the glamorous façade of stardom, offering a window into her personal trials and tribulations. The 72-year-old actress eloquently describes the challenges she faced, shining a light on the often unseen difficulties that come with an illustrious career in the public eye.
“To pretend I’ve led a life of unbroken glamour and composure would be dishonest,” Aman started her poignant message. “I am fully aware of how my life appears from the outside—a woman who reached the pinnacle of stardom in her youth and seems to be enjoying a renaissance in her later years. But the truth is, I have lived through deeply challenging times. Despite what the world may think they know about my life, these widely known and often exaggerated personal tragedies are mere footnotes. They essentially underscore the heights one has managed to achieve.”
Aman shared a raw and unembellished account of what she termed the “difficult phase.” This period spanned from weeks to months and eventually stretched into years. It was a time when work offers dwindled, her body aged, and she watched her relevance slip away. She recounted the initial relief of anonymity, which quickly gave way to the stark fear of survival. “How was I going to put food on the table?” she questioned. “With no husband to turn to, no sibling to lean on, and two helpless children to provide for, it was terrifyingly lonely.”
She narrated how, during those challenging times, she accepted almost any work that came her way. “The luxury of discernment or whimsy was not a privilege I had,” she confessed candidly. She described bone-rattling drives to nondescript towns for event appearances, staying in no-star hotels with dirty sheets, performing lackluster renditions of her iconic song ‘Chura Liya’ in smelly halls, and dealing with poorly written scripts that pushed her to the brink of madness. All the while, she was treated more like a prop during suffocating photo opportunities.
. Yet, she also took on other odd jobs, including teaching poise and etiquette, writing agony aunt columns, and even narrating audio tapes.
Despite the hardships, Aman expressed gratitude to those organizers who offered her jobs during those times, as well as to the fans who attended those events. “This was life as a ‘has-been,’ and I find no shame in it. I am grateful for those laughable paychecks that kept the lights on in my apartment,” she acknowledged with humility.
Towards the end of her post, Aman elaborated on why she chose to share these personal reflections at this point in time. “This caption serves two purposes. Firstly, to assert that there is dignity in all forms of labor. Secondly, to highlight that, with some persistence and luck, the tough times can indeed ease,” she concluded. Aman explained that she is now quite selective about her work. Her children reject half a dozen collaborations and requests on her behalf every day. “It is a privilege I enjoy but do not take for granted,” she emphasized.
From her early days of vibrant performances in Bollywood to her more recent endeavors and public appearances, Aman’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Following her marriage to actor Mazhar Khan in 1985, Aman began appearing less frequently in films and eventually took a hiatus in 1989. This period was marked by both personal and professional struggles, which she has now openly addressed in her latest Instagram post.
Aman’s candid admission serves as a powerful reminder that even the most glittering careers are not exempt from adversity. Her story is one of resilience and perseverance, highlighting that success is often accompanied by unseen challenges. Through her heartfelt message, Aman has shown that there is a profound dignity in enduring and overcoming life’s toughest moments.
