It would be correct to say that Zeenat Aman on Instagram is a whole new mood. To say that she is embracing the social media app, is an understatement, to say her followers are embracing her moods with every post, is even more of an understatement (They’re celebrating it with 5 stars). With her 50th Instagram post, we celebrate the woman who is more than everything that was written about her, said about her and … picturized on screen!
She never went away, she says, so there is no comeback. She uplifts other women on social media, she flaunts the grey, she contemplates the movies that made it big, and those that could have been missed, she made the cover of Vogue, or rather, Vogue made it by having her on the cover, but to put it simply, Zeenat Aman’s Instagram posts are a poetic journey of sorts. She speaks to her followers conversation like, and they respond in the same mood. Which is why, we say, Zeenat Aman is an entire mood on Instagram. And we give you 7 posts to dive into while you contemplate who you were you even following (if it wasn’t her), … piece of advice, elevate your feed now and hit the “follow” button – we have!
Her Instagram posts speak for themselves, so we’ll leave you to it. Happy reading!
1. On Going Grey – Every Woman’s Dream, But Few Dare To Bare!
Grey weather, grey hair… and a splash of colour to offset it all!
I didn’t intend for my grey hair to be a statement, but a statement it has become. In fact, yesterday I read a tweet by someone who said they know at least three people who have been inspired to stop colouring their hair since I made my Instagram debut! I thought this was a wonderful compliment.
If embracing my natural hair is encouraging others to do the same, then I’m all the happier for it.
So, with my 50th post on Instagram I want to celebrate all of you who are flaunting your beautiful silver hair! Please post a story of yourself (or your silver-haired loved one) and tag me in it. I’d love to share your pictures to my own stories.
After all, life isn’t black and white, it’s grey!
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2. Once Upon A Time – When There Were Only Men!
Zeenat Aman celebrating women and reminding us that not long ago, there were few to none.
In the 70s the film and fashion industry was absolutely male dominated, and I would often be the only woman on a set. Over the course of my career I have been photographed and filmed by many talented men. A woman’s gaze though, is different.
This series of pictures was shot by young photographer @tanya_shoots in the comfort of my home. No lights, no makeup artist, no hairdresser, no stylist, no assistants. Just a lovely sunny afternoon together.
It’s such a pleasure to see so many young women working on both sides of the lens today. I look forward to discovering more such talent on Instagram.
3. On Youth & The “Ageing” Entertainment Industry
As women we are told that our social worth lies in youth and physical beauty. If not explicitly, then in a thousand subliminal ways. This is especially true for the entertainment industry. In general, as we age, men are bequeathed gravitas but women are at best offered sympathy.
I was initially reluctant to stop dyeing my hair, and was strongly advised against it. Some well wishers even said it would negatively impact my work opportunities. It was only once I contemplated upon my own hesitations that I realised I really don’t care to buttress our society’s idolisation of youth.
Being young is wonderful, but so is being old. It thrills me to see more and more silver-haired women (of all ages) challenge the status quo.
My son @zanuski took this image of me (and my silver bob) a few weeks ago at a friend’s home near Alibag.
4. It Was The Best Of Times (Not Worst Of Times) – When Autographs (& Not Selfies) Were A “Thing”
I was surprised to be recognised on the ferry back from Alibag the other evening. I had thought my age, my sunglasses and my mask would keep me incognito. Yet a group of young men approached me on the deck and requested a picture, which I politely declined. As mentioned in my last post, I was just about recovering from the flu and had endured a tedious day of bureaucracy. Neither of which left me in the mood to socialise or pose. I was sorry to disappoint these lovely fans, but there are boundaries that I find important to draw for myself. I am happy that they respected my response, as it’s not always the case.
Back in the 70s, before everyone had a smartphone in their pocket, the only proof of having met or interacted with a film star was an autograph. My wonderful mother would print hundreds of head shots of me, and then sit me down on the table and have me sign each one. These autographed pictures would then be sent out in response to fan mail, or handed out to fans who I encountered in my life (often with a personal note). This particular picture was shot specifically for this purpose, and you can see my signature on it.
I imagine that this practice died a natural death with the advent of the smartphone, but I do miss its charming simplicity. My younger one is urging me to print out a fresh set of recent headshots for this purpose, but I doubt such postcards will be able to compete with the camera phone! What do you think?
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5. When Vogue Lands A Cover & You Know You Gotta Have It!
“I’m not surprised that my appearance on social media is being hailed as a ‘comeback’; some are even referring to it as my ‘second innings’. I, for one, do not see it as such. This is not a comeback. I never went away.” In Vogue India’s July-August issue, cover star Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman) pulls back the curtain on her life, penning her own story with the trademark lyricism that everyone has come to know and love.
Tap the link in bio to read the full story.
Photographer: Avani Rai (@avani.rai)
Styled by Head of Editorial Content: Megha Kapoor (@meghakapoor)
Art Director: Aishwaryashree (@aishwaryashree)
Makeup Artist: Mitesh Rajani (@miteshrajani)
Hair Stylist: Justine Rae Mellocastro (@jrmellocastro)
Bookings Editor: Savio Gerhart (@gerhartsavio)
Fashion Assistant: Rupangi Grover (@rupangigrover)
Junior Designer: Shagun Jangid (@shagun_jangid)
Photographer’s Assistant: Harman Achint (@iamharmanachint)
Wardrobe: Blouse, trousers, belt, earrings, ring; all @sabyasachiofficial
6. When Old Is Gold (Or Silver) – No Substitute For Wisdom!
Zeenat Aman contemplates about the women who were always there for us – a lesson in wisdom and celebrating older women
We see very few older women in the public eye. It’s not something I thought about when I was young, but now that I myself am silver-haired, I feel their absence. It’s a puzzling phenomenon, simply because older women mould, protect and nurture us in so many ways worthy of celebration. There is just no substitute for the wisdom of experience and years.
My entire life I have known older women who have anchored me. My mother, yes, but others too. My friend Khadija whose generosity towards me was unsurpassed and who, being widowed young, displayed an inner steel that inspired me. My dear, ever-patient Sartaj, who is always there to make me laugh, but who was also by my side during days of intense grief. Kavi, who is steadfast as a rock and cradles our friendship even when I am neglectful. My stepmother Shamim aunty, who doted on my sons and to whom I could entrust them no matter the hour… How different and colourless life would have been without their influence.
When you sweep your eyes across the landscape of your life, do you not also find the influence of older women? I would be interested to know your stories. Stories of how a mother or aunt or grandmother or sister or woman friend carried you in your time of hesitance or need. If you don’t have a story to share, then maybe this post can serve as a reminder to drop a ♥️ to an older woman who enriches your life.
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This image is from earlier today when @tanya_shoots popped by the house.
7. Nahiii – We Can Still Hear That One Ringing Ringing Loud & Clear – Zeenat Aman Style!
If you’re a 70’s film buff, you can literally hear her uttering this dialogue – “NAHIIIIN” Zeenat Aman Style! It takes a humble heart, one that has weathered the years and tread the journey to know that, not all films age too well. The fault in our stars is after all, part of the process; to move on and recognize that you were once another person and did things you might not do today – in that too, she gives us a message; be kind to your past self – you are what you are today because of what you did yesterday and though you know better now, love yourself and every season you lived through (extrapolating here), but her today speaks volumes for all her yesterdays!
Nahiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin!”
Chhailla Babu was a suspense thriller that rocked the box office in 1977. It was produced by the lovely and easy going Shomu Mukherjee, directed by Joy Mukherjee and starred Rajesh Khanna. Romance, action, music, drama – it had everything in spades. Including a long drawn out “nahiiiiiiiin” by yours truly , which I think we can agree is pretty much the hallmark of Bollywood masala.
This snapshot was captured in between takes of the climactic action sequence that we shot at sea in Goa. And yes, I got to throw some punches too.
My outfits in the film were awesomely flamboyant. So what am I wearing here? A black and pink (fake) leather bustier, a matching skirt, a scarf, and knee-high boots. And the entire ensemble was embellished with metallic studs! How’s that for an “outfit of the day”?
As an aside, I will admit that so many of the films that we made back then haven’t aged too well. In fact, my younger followers would be appalled by the “red Indian” sequence in this film. Quite frankly, it makes me cringe too. Such caricatures were entirely the norm back then, and I am glad that I know better now!
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We often meet our stars across the screen, and our image of them is left to our own imaginations, often conjured up by the roles they play and the characters they bring to life.
But when a star decides to step out from behind the lens and opens her mind & heart to audiences, when she shares her thoughts on a public forum, she leaves room to be judged, to be appreciated or shunned by an ever growing online community.
Zeenat Aman chose that route. Yet her posts are marked by a candour that is endearing, a style that is so signature “her” and a mood that makes any Gen Z or Millennial post appear slightly bland or pale in comparison. Her Instagram feed shouts out to be read, yet, in subtle undertones.
That is perhaps due to the gift of “wisdom with age” she celebrates in others and we feel, her followers too, celebrate the same in her.
Yeah, what goes round comes round, in a good way!
And there you have it, Zeenat Aman in 7 Instagram posts is but an aperitif, a flavour, just like the fleeting whiff of a perfume on the street, when you’re left wanting more. Her contemplations are thought provoking, her pen, effortless and her pictures, precious. Have a go at her profile and don’t forget to ask for an autographed postcard – everything starts with a dream, you never know when someone might be listening!
Follow Zeenat Aman On Instagram here.
