When Zeenat Aman opened up about women's role in Bollywood
Mumbai, July 6
Veteran actress Zeenat Aman had opened up about Women's role in Bollywood during her interaction with the makers of the documentary 'Journey Into India'.
The 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat' actress revealed how most of the actresses in Bollywood are only playing surface-level roles, singing and dancing around the trees.
She was heard saying, "90% of the time, most of the women here are just playing ornamental roles, purely ornamental. They sing, and dance, and sort of prance around the leading man, and that's about it."
However, she had also pointed out that things had started to change for the better. Zeenat Aman said that the leading ladies of Bollywood are now doing more substantial roles.
"What I feel is happening now is that there are changes coming about.
There are women demanding, you know, good roles and refusing to work in films unless they have participation. They want to do something, they demand something, and they are getting something to do. And I think that's exciting because I think the women in India should have something to identify with other than, you know, just ornamentation," she pointed out.
Coming to her career trajectory, after winning the Femina Miss India and the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant in 1970, Zeenat Aman began her Bollywood journey with the 1971 movie 'Hulchul'.
She rose to fame with Dev Anand's drama film 'Haré Rama Haré Krishna'.
After this, she went on to be a part of many blockbusters such as 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)', 'Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974)', 'Ajanabee (1974)', 'Warrant (1975)', 'Chori Mera Kaam (1975)', 'Dharam Veer (1977)', 'Chhailla Babu (1977)', 'Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)', and 'The Great Gambler (1979),' naming a few.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I agree with her but let's be real - even today many actresses are doing item numbers and glamour roles. The change is slow. Producers still think 'beauty sells'. But at least now we have women directors and writers creating better content. Look at movies like Queen or Gangubai - that's the kind of progress she's talking about. Respect to Zeenat Aman for being honest about her own industry's flaws.
Interesting perspective from a Bollywood legend. Coming from a Western background, I've always noticed how Indian films often portray women in very traditional or decorative roles. It's refreshing to see an actress from her generation acknowledge this. The change she mentions is real - just look at how actresses now have more agency in choosing scripts and negotiating pay. The #MeToo movement in Bollywood also helped push this conversation forward. 🎬
This is such a powerful statement! Zeenat ji was a trailblazer in her time - she broke many stereotypes with her bold roles. But she's absolutely right about the ornamental roles. Even today, how many female-led films get the same budget and marketing as male-led ones? Things are changing but the gap is still huge. We need more women behind the camera too - writers, directors, producers. That's where real change happens. 🙏
As someone who follows Indian cinema from abroad, I've always been fascinated by how actresses like Zeenat Aman could be both glamorous icons and thoughtful commentators. Her point about women 'demanding' better roles is key - it's not just about opportunities, but about agency. The rise of OTT platforms has definitely helped too, giving more space for female-centric narratives. Hopefully the next decade will see even more progress.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.