In retrospect: ‘I wish we had better pay cheques’

Bollywood diva of yesteryears Zeenat Aman feels a lot could have been different back in the day

NEW DELHI: She might have been one of the highest-paid divas of her time in Bollywood, Zeenat Aman still feels a lot could have been different back in the day.

Personalised vanity trailers, better pay cheques, time professionalism and corporate ethos are aspects of movie-making that Aman wishes were prevalent when she was at her career’s peak.

The actor, who revolutionised the concept of fashion at a time when it was considered a not-so-important factor in Indian cinema, feels things have become better for performers nowadays. “The whole scenario has changed for the better with personalised vanity trailers. Also, the whole corporate culture and the facilities are much better,” the 64-year-old said. When further asked about the differences that she finds in films, she said, “I wish we had good pay cheques.”

Before Bollywood, Aman entered the Miss India contest and was the third runner-up. She went on to compete at the Miss Asia/Pacific content and brought India the crown.

With no-holds-barred performances in Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Manoranjan and Dhund, she not only redefined the liberated modern woman of Hindi cinema of the 1970s, but also brought alive the subtle sensuality with her roles in films like Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Qurbani.

Despite still being active socially and even taking to the ramp occasionally, Aman has cut down on film appearances. When asked about it, she said, “I will do another film only when it’s something worth my while. There are not many roles for actors of my age. In fact, the opportunities are almost non-existent and interesting roles are a rare exception,” said the star who explored the digital space recently with youth-based web series Love, Life and Screw Ups!!!.

She does appreciate the fabulous work that today’s actors are doing. “They are all gorgeous as well as talented. They are doing an amazing job. In our films, you have to be multi-talented. You have to be able to dance, act and do stunts, and they all are doing a fine job,” she added.

She feels things have changed quite a bit now with the small screen and web-series culture of today.

Elegant and evergreen, Aman was in New Delhi last week to be a part of the India Runway Week where she turned showstopper for jewellery designer Akassh K Aggarwal.

Coming from a modelling background, it was fun for her to sashay across the ramp. “It is a feel-good factor when you get an instant reaction from the audience. When Akassh approached me for his show and after seeing his jewellery, I couldn’t say no. I got nostalgic when I walked the ramp to one of my favourite tracks Chura Liya Hai and Dum Maaro Dum,” she said.

Being a style icon herself, she had some pearls of wisdom for fashionistas too. “Be comfortable in what you wear. If you are comfortable with what you are wearing, you will always feel confident and when you are confident, you project the real person that exists within you,” she maintained.

Aman has also decided to not go ahead with her autobiography as she is not motivated to share her life’s story.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2016.

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