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Key Points

Zeenat Aman recently shared fascinating memories about her role in Shammi Kapoor's directorial debut Manoranjan. The actress revealed how she was cast in the film through a neighborhood connection with the producer. Her character Nisha challenged traditional portrayals of sex workers in cinema. The film, a remake of an American romantic comedy, featured a memorable song sung by the legendary Mangeshkar sisters.

Key Points: Zeenat Aman Reveals Shammi Kapoor's Manoranjan Casting Story

  • Shammi Kapoor's first film as director was remake of Irma La Douce
  • Zeenat played progressive role of prostitute Nisha
  • Song featured Mangeshkar sisters' vocals
  • Film challenged societal stereotypes
2 min read

Zeenat Aman reveals how she bagged Shammi Kapoor's directorial debut 'Manoranjan'

Zeenat Aman shares behind-the-scenes insights of Shammi Kapoor's directorial debut, exploring her iconic role in Manoranjan

"I was keen to sink my teeth into a character who defied societal expectations - Zeenat Aman"

Mumbai, May 23

Veteran diva Zeenat Aman shared another blast from the past as she dropped the peppy number "Dulhan Maike Chali" from her 1974 film "Manoranjan".

The song talks about a busload of gorgeous, joyful prostitutes who tease and school a moralistic havaldar (Sanjeev Kumar) on their way to the lock-up.

Talking about the movie, Zeenat wrote on her Instagram "The opinion on most ‘remakes’ seems to be scathing, but I am very proud to have starred in Shammi Kapoor’s directorial debut Manoranjan, a remake of the American romantic comedy Irma La Douce."

The movie is a remake of the American drama, "Irma La Douce".

Revealing how she bagged Shammi Kapoor's directorial debut, the yesteryear sensation added, "In the 1970s I still lived in south Bombay with my mother, and the producer FC Mehra happened to be our neighbour and friend. It was he who connected me with Shammi ji, for which I am ever grateful. It’s not that Shammi ji and I forged some profound friendship, instead I had the professional joy of working with an immensely talented, musical and affable director. His vision was unstinted - he set the tone for the cast and crew - but he also revealed his playful side. I recall many a lunch during which he teased my costar Sanjeev Kumar about his rumoured romantic trysts to the delight of everyone at the table."

Zeenat further talked about how she approached her role as a prostitute named Nisha in the movie.

"Back to the movie. As a young woman discovering her own feminism, I was keen to sink my teeth into a character who defied societal expectations. In this case, the expectation that a prostitute must be miserable, ashamed, socially rejected and waiting for a white knight! In my books, Nisha is a character right up there with Rupa and Janice. Iconic," she penned.

"Dulhan Maike Chali" enjoys lyrics penned by Anand Bakshi, with the three Mangeshkar sisters lending their voices to the RD Burman composition.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a nostalgic song! Zeenat Aman was truly ahead of her time. Playing bold characters when most heroines were doing typical roles. The golden era of RD Burman and Lata Mangeshkar ❤️
P
Priya M.
Interesting how she talks about feminism in 1974! Today's actresses think they invented strong female characters. Zeenat ji was doing it decades ago with grace and style 👏
A
Arjun S.
The song is fun but the movie was quite bold for its time. My parents told me how controversial it was considered back then. Times have changed but the music remains evergreen!
N
Neha T.
Shammi Kapoor as director is something I never knew about! His energy as actor was legendary, would love to see how that translated to his direction. Wish we had more behind-the-scenes stories like this.
V
Vikram P.
While I appreciate Zeenat ji's bold choices, I feel the movie glamorized prostitution more than it needed to. But that's just my opinion - the music and performances were undoubtedly top class.
S
Sunita R.
My mother used to sing this song while doing household chores! Such happy memories. Today's generation should know about these classics - the lyrics, music, everything was pure gold ✨

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