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Zeenat Aman: Directors Avoided Choreographing Me to "Avoid Frustration"

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman recalled that directors during her prime often allowed her to dance naturally rather than attempting to teach her complicated choreography. She shared a clip of the song "Tum Na Maano Aag Paani Mein" from the 1979 film *The Great Gambler* on social media, calling it a personal favorite for its confidence and sass. Aman humorously noted she lacked formal dance training but had a natural groove, leading filmmakers to avoid the frustration of choreographing her. The actress, a defining star of 1970s Bollywood, also reminisced about the film's memorable costumes and soundtrack.

Key Points: Zeenat Aman on Directors, Dance, and The Great Gambler

  • Directors avoided complex choreography
  • Shared clip from 'The Great Gambler'
  • Admitted lacking formal dance training
  • Recalled over-the-top gold outfit
  • Embraced her natural groove and sass
2 min read

Zeenat Aman reveals directors would never try to choreograph her to avoid frustration

Veteran star Zeenat Aman reveals directors let her groove naturally, avoiding complex choreography. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from 'The Great Gambler'.

"many a director realised it's better to leave me to my own swaying device than frustrate themselves - Zeenat Aman"

Mumbai, March 10

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman recalled how filmmakers, back in her prime time, would often let her groove naturally to music rather than attempting complicated choreography.

She said that many directors felt it was easier to allow her to sway freely than "frustrate themselves" trying to choreograph her moves.

The actress shared a snippet of the song "Tum Na Maano Aag Paani Mein" from the 1979 film The Great Gambler on social media.

In the video, Zeenat is seen performing and dancing her best, dressed in striking outfits while exuding her quintessential confidence.

Sharing the clip, Zeenat wrote, "Another hit from The Great Gambler!

Do Lafzon Ki was the movie's most loved song by popular consensus, but this one is my personal favourite. None of that drippy romance stuff here. Just the confidence and sass of a woman who knows her desirability!"

She added, "The sequence had three outfit changes, of which the shimmering gold track-pant set (not featured in this clip but you can find it on YouTube) tickled me the most! Not only was the outfit completely over the top, the hair team decided to give me a short pageboy wig to go with, and the dance master decided to add in some high kicks for good measure."

"As I've mentioned before, I wasn't a very confident dancer as I never had formal training unlike most of the actresses of the time. Still, I could "groove" and many a director realised it's better to leave me to my own swaying device than frustrate themselves trying to coax complicated choreography out of me! Anyway, enjoy this snippet," she concluded.

Talking about Zeenat Aman, the actress who made her Hindi film debut with Hulchul in 1971, rose to fame with films such as Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Don, and Satyam Shivam Sundaram amongst others.

The 74 year-old actress was regarded as one of the most glamorous and progressive stars of her times, in the 1970s era of Bollywood.

Talking about The Great Gambler, the movie is a 1979 Hindi-language action thriller directed by Shakti Samanta.

The film starred Amitabh Bachchan in a dual role alongside Zeenat Aman and Neetu Singh in pivotal roles.

Released on April 6, 1979, the film's memorable soundtrack was composed by R. D. Burman.

One of its songs, "Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani," filmed on a gondola in Venice, went on to become a timeless classic.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is so relatable! Not everyone is a trained dancer, but if you have the groove and confidence, it works. Our film industry today could learn from this - sometimes less choreography is more.
A
Aman W
The 70s era was something else. Stars had distinct personalities. Zeenat Aman, with her bold roles and style, was truly ahead of her time. The Great Gambler songs are still so fresh!
S
Sarah B
While I admire her confidence, I do think a bit of constructive direction from a choreographer could have elevated some of her dance sequences. Even natural movers can benefit from some guidance.
K
Karthik V
Haha, love her honesty! "Better to leave me to my own swaying device" – that's a legendary line. She owned her space in an industry that was, and still is, quite demanding. Respect! 🙏
N
Nisha Z
It's all about screen presence. She had it in abundance. You watch her in "Tum Na Maano Aag Paani Mein" and you can't look away. That's star power, not just dance moves.

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