Zeenat Aman Instagram Debut© Instagram

Zeenat Aman Has Made Her Official Instagram Debut

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman, who was last seen in a cameo in the period film Panipat (2019), officially made her Instagram debut on February 12, sending her fans in a frenzy. Aman went on to share her thoughts about being the ‘only woman on a set’ in the 1970s and how she hopes to connect with more young women working in the industry today.

The actress marked her entry on the social media platform and wrote in the bio – “Actor. Mother. Maverick.” Sharing her very first photo, she wrote, “Laughing at the places life takes me. Why hello there, Instagram.” The former beauty queen also penned a thought-provoking note alongside the picture.

Aman, who is known for having an illustrious career in films, made her acting debut with The Evil Within in 1970. Since then, the sky has been the limit for her. The iconic actress is known for featuring in many super hit films like Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Don, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Dostana, Dharam Veer, and Hare Rama Hare Krishna, to name a few.

For her social media debut, Aman took to Instagram and shared a couple of pictures from a recent photoshoot shot by a young female photographer. The actress revealed how often she was the ‘only woman on a set’ in the 1970s. It’s no secret that the film industry in the ‘70s was heavily influenced by patriarchal and ageist attitudes. Women were often limited to playing supportive or secondary roles, with little opportunity for complex, lead characters.

Women were often relegated to secondary or stereotypical roles, and faced unequal pay and limited opportunities for advancement. Meanwhile, aging actors, particularly women, faced significant challenges in finding work and were often written out of leading roles in favour of younger actors. These unfair and discriminatory practices were deeply entrenched in the industry and perpetuated a culture of inequality that still has lasting effects today. Aman added that she was looking forward to connecting with more young women working in the industry today.

While captioning her close-up photograph, the actress wrote, “In the 70s the film and fashion industry were 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.”

She added, “This series of pictures was shot by young photographer @tanyyaa.a_ 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.”

Her photographer, Tanya, commented below the photoshoot and wrote, “Definitely my most cherished portrait-making session. Thank you so much.“ While another fan added, ”Gorgeous picture. You changed the face of the Hindi Film Leading Lady. You are a game-changer, Zeenat Ji. Thank you for sharing this lovely picture.”