Zeenat Aman Takes a Stand Against Bollywood's Problematic Romance Tropes
In a bold move that has captivated audiences, veteran actress Zeenat Aman has launched a critical Instagram series revisiting her iconic films, shining a light on Bollywood's troubling tendencies to romanticize obsession and enforce moral policing under the guise of love. Her candid reflections offer a powerful critique of the industry's past and present narratives.
Revisiting Dostana: A Scene of Moral Policing
In December, Zeenat Aman shared a clip from the 1980 film Dostana, featuring Amitabh Bachchan. The scene depicts her character, Sheetal, bravely confronting an eve-teaser and taking him to the police station. However, the moment turns sour when Inspector Vijay, played by Bachchan, delivers a patronizing lecture on women's attire, undermining Sheetal's agency.
In her Instagram caption, Zeenat directly addressed female viewers, guessing their likely reactions of anger and discomfort. She highlighted how audiences might initially feel triumphant at Sheetal's stand, only to be infuriated by the hero's condescending tone. "That opinion and tone were par for the course back in the day," she wrote, criticizing the era's moral superiority and judgmental attitudes toward women who defied conventions.
Zeenat noted a significant shift in audience perspectives over time. While past viewers might have seen Vijay as a gentleman, a young woman today bluntly called him "a loser," a response Zeenat welcomed as a sign of progress. "Oh, I am glad you're annoyed. That's what's changed," she remarked, celebrating evolving societal norms.
Gender Role Reversal in Teesri Aankh
More recently, Zeenat shared another clip from Teesri Aankh, starring Dharmendra. This scene features a gender role reversal, with her character Barkha aggressively pursuing Dharmendra's Ashok, who appears visibly uncomfortable. Zeenat questioned whether Hindi cinema had truly evolved in the two years between the films, admitting that such changes were rare but notable.
She explained that while this reversal might be amusing due to its novelty, it does not endorse inappropriate behavior. "I can't endorse Barkha's approach, just as I couldn't endorse Inspector Vijay's," she clarified, emphasizing that both scenarios perpetuate unhealthy dynamics.
Critiquing Bollywood's Romance Narratives
Zeenat Aman pointed out that while banter and mischief can be part of courtship, Bollywood often exaggerates these elements, romanticizing obsession, pursuit, and limerence instead of portraying healthy, mutual love. In a moment of striking honesty, she acknowledged her own role in propagating these flawed ideas. "I recognise that I have played a part in propagating the ludicrous idea of romance that Bollywood has exported to Indians everywhere," she wrote, viewing her posts as an attempt to correct this legacy.
Her conclusion was unequivocal: "When it comes to relationships, consent is non-negotiable and respect has to flow both ways. Believe me, I learnt this the hard way." By revisiting her films as cultural artifacts rather than mere icons, Zeenat is not dismantling her legacy but deepening it, demonstrating that reflection, accountability, and growth are as powerful as glamour.
Impact and Legacy
Zeenat Aman's Instagram series has resonated widely, particularly with Gen Z audiences, who appreciate her candor and willingness to critique the industry. Her posts blend nostalgia with critical analysis, offering a nuanced perspective on Bollywood's evolution. This initiative underscores her enduring relevance and commitment to fostering healthier representations of love and relationships in cinema.
