Zeenat Aman is a veteran actress known for films such as Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Haré Rama Haré Krishna, Dostana, Don and more. Aside from her acting, the actress is also known for speaking her mind on a number of issues and creating an uproar with her statements. And she’s doing it once again.
Earlier today, Zeenat took to her Instagram and shared a couple of photos along with a lengthy caption of the ‘moral police’ of the ’70s and the field day they had with her 1974 film Manoranjan. The pictures shared included one of her looking ‘flirtatious and sexy’ in a red dress, the film’s poster and a still from the Shammi Kapoor-directed film.
Several actors, including Priyanka Chopra and Anil Kapoor, took to the comments section to share their views. The ‘Citadel’ actress even noted that the moral police is still around. Read on to know all they wrote.
Zeenat Aman on moral police of the ’70s
Zeenat Aman began her lengthy post by writing, “If I’ve had a steady companion through my career, it’s been the moral police. And, my goodness, did they have a field day with this one!” She continued, “Manoranjan defied existing conventions. It was an adaptation of the fabulous 1963 American comedy ‘Irma Le Douce’, and it featured me in the starring role of Nisha. A sex worker with a sense of dignity, independence and humour.”
The actress added that Manoranjan was a ‘haste-haste, khelte-khelte’ affair, directed by Shammi Kapoor with music by RD Burman in the role of music director. She noted that the Sanjeev Kumar co-starrer was producer by FC Mehra – a family friend, and was entirely in studios in Mumbai.
Zeenat on her character in Manoranjan
Zeenat Aman’s post further read, “Nisha was no damsel in distress! Her outfits were flirtatious and sexy, but more importantly, she was unapologetic about how she earns a living. This was a character that I could have fun with: sexually liberated, financially independent, and fully capable of locking horns with, and turning down, any man. I’ve always maintained that I am a ‘director’s actor’, and I do believe Shammi ji coaxed out one of my better performances with this film.”
She continued, “The music and costumes were also a hoot. In ‘aaya hoon main tujh ko le jaoonga’ we dance upon gigantic musical instruments, ‘chori chori solah singar’ (sung by Asha ji) has a titillating shower sequence, and ‘dulhan maike chali’ is pictured entirely in a police van full of sex workers being taken to the police station and was sung by all three Mangeshkar sisters! If you’re interested, you can watch these on YouTube. The 70s were a wonderful time to be alive! Despite the moral police (they’re always around) the atmosphere of experimentation, freedom and fashion was unmatchable!”
The actress added, “I wonder if some of my older followers remember this film? I’d love to hear your memories of watching it or any discussion it may have provoked.”
Priyanka, Anil on Zeenat’s moral policying post
Commenting on Zeenat Aman’s post, Priyanka Chopra wrote, “Moral police is still around and will continue to be around it seems! But you are beyond.” Anil Kapoor replied to the post writing, “Loved the film the song picturisations and performances .. screening of the film/picture ka pehla trial show was at the iconic R. k studios auditorium with friends and families of the warm, gracious and generous krishna aunty / Mrs raj kapoor”
What do you think of Zeenat Aman’s post? Let us know in the comments.
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