Zeenat Aman talks about 'obsession of beauty', says your 'act should be beautiful'
Mumbai, April 21
Veteran Bollywood star Zeenat Aman has spoken about the obsession with beauty, stating that good actions hold far greater value than mere appearances.
Talking about beauty and beauty contests in an exclusive conversation with IANS, Zeenat said, "I think that the contests are not just about beauty but they are mainly about poise, etiquette, self-representation."
She added, "Sometimes you will see that the girl who answers the question correctly, wins. Although it is possible that someone else is more beautiful than her. So it's a lot of things. About the obsession of beauty, there is a saying in English that "handsome is as handsome does. Your act and gesture should be more beautiful than anything else."
Zeenat Aman's comment on the obsession of beauty, highlights that being graceful, confident, intelligent, and a good conduct often outweigh conventional standards of beauty.
Talking about Zeenat Aman, the actress was touted as one of the most iconic faces of Hindi cinema in the 1970s and 80s era of Bollywood.
She gained widespread recognition with the movie Hare Rama Hare Krishna, released in 1971.
She went on to star in many more successful films including Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Don, Satyam Shivam Sundaram and others.
In recent years, Zeenat Aman, at 74, has now found a new voice on social media, where she often shares many unknown facts, BTS and fun anecdotes from her time in Bollywood.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Wise words from a legend. In our Indian families, we always say "acchi soch, accha kaam" (good thoughts, good deeds). Beauty fades, but your actions define your legacy. Love that she's sharing these gems on Instagram now!
Respectfully, while I agree with the sentiment, the reality is that the film industry she came from heavily prioritized looks. It's easier to say this after a successful career built, in part, on being considered one of the most beautiful faces of that era. The pressure on young actors today is immense.
She's absolutely right about pageants too. It's not just a ramp walk. It's about confidence, how you carry yourself, and how you answer under pressure. Miss India winners often go on to do great work beyond films. Zeenat Aman herself was always more than just a pretty face - she brought substance to her roles.
As someone who grew up watching her films with my parents, it's wonderful to see her perspective. "Handsome is as handsome does" – that's a timeless lesson. The new generation on social media really needs to hear this from icons like her.
True beauty is indeed from within. Look at her even now at 74 – she radiates grace and wisdom. That's the real beauty standard we should follow, not some unrealistic filter on a phone. More power to her for speaking up! 👏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.