A model-turned-actress, Zeenat Aman had a definite impact on the characterization of the heroine in Hindi films. With films such as Hare Rama Hare Krishna and Yaadon Ki Baraat, she fashioned the image of the youthful and westernized woman in Hindi cinema.
Zeenat Aman started her career in the 1970s, her first important role being in
Dev Anand`s Hare Rama Hare Krishna. The film, which won her a
Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress, saw Zeenat Aman play a dope-smoking hippie. Her westernized persona was further accentuated in Nasir Husain`s Yaadon Ki Baraat, in which she left a lasting impression as a guitar-strumming teenager of the disco era.
Another of her memorable roles was in
Raj Kapoor`s Satyam Shivam Sundaram which draws attention to modern society`s objectification of women. For this film she teamed up with the stylish
Shashi Kapoor. Zeenat Aman also had a successful onscreen partnership with Amitabh Bachchan, starring with him in such hits as
Don, Dostana, and Lawaris. In 1980, she starred in the mega hit Qurbani. Amongst these Don probably deserves a special mention where Zeenat Aman once again breaks the conventional image of a heroine. She plays the role of a resolute modern young woman who seeks revenge for her brother`s death.
In a career spanning over three decades, Zeenat Aman worked with some of the top directors of the time and was part of some big hits. Besides her histrionic skills Zeenat Aman will, probably, always remembered for revolutionizing the way an Indian actress was presented. From costumes to characterization; the entry of Zeenat Aman in Bollywood was indeed an important event in the history of Indian cinema.
Zenat Aman was showered with several awards in her lifetime. These include:
Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award for Hare Rama Hare Krishna, 1972
BFJA Awards, Best Actress for Hare Rama Hare Krishna, 1972
Lifetime Achievement Award at the Filmfare Award Ceremony, 2003
Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement, 2008
As far as her films are concerned Zeenat Aman appeared in the following:
| Hungama (1971) |
Chhaila Babu (1977) |
Katilon Ke Kaatil (1981) |
| Hulchul (1971) |
Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (1977) |
Laawaris (1981) |
| Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1972) |
Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978) |
Samraat (1982) |
| Heera Panna (1973) |
Don (1978) |
Jaanwar (1982) |
| Dhund (1973) |
Shalimar (1978) |
Pukar (1983) |
| Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) |
The Great Gambler (1979) |
Mahaan (1983) |
| Manoranjan (1974) |
Ram Balram (1980) |
Yeh Desh (1984) |
| Ajnabee (1974) |
Dostana (1980) |
Aurat (1986) |
| Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974) |
Qurbani (1980) |
Gawahi (1989) |
| Warrant (1975) |
Insaaf Ka Tarazu (1980) |
Bhopal Express (1999) |
| Chori Mera Kaam (1975) |
Abdullah (1980) |
Boom (2003) |
| Dharamveer (1977) |
Krodhi (1981) |
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Nowadays Zeenat Aman is seen making public appearances and is a popular face on Indian television as she is part of various reality shows.
