Zeenat: Blast from the past! Here’s why Zeenat Aman took a break to prioritize ‘Quality Life’ for her Children

On her birthday, let’s reflect on the interview Zeenat Aman had with Hindustan Times, where she discussed her hiatus from acting following her marriage to Mazhar Khan.
Zeenat Aman, a prominent figure who dominated the Hindi film industry in the 70s and 80s, opted for an extended hiatus from acting following her marriage to Mazhar Khan in 1985. On the occasion of her birthday, we revisit a 2013 interview with Hindustan Times, where ZeenatAman explained the reasons behind her break.During the interview, she expressed that her primary focus during that period was to provide a high-quality life for her children.
During a 2013 interview with Hindustan Times, Zeenat Aman was questioned about her decision not to pursue acting continuously, unlike her contemporaries Shabana Azmi and Hema Malini. In response, she explained that after her husband’s passing, she found herself in a different emotional state with numerous challenges. At that crucial juncture, her primary focus shifted towards planning and prioritizing her life alongside her children. Zeenat emphasized that ensuring the well-being and providing a high-quality life for her children became her paramount concern during this period, and she did not want to miss out on their formative years.
In the interview, Zeenat Aman also discussed how she occupied her time during her hiatus from public life. She shared that she engaged in teaching and pursued theatre during those years. Reflecting on this period, she expressed contentment, stating, “When you are happy with what you are doing, you don’t miss anything. There’s so much more to my life today. Acting is just part of it.”
Having made her debut in 1970 with “The Evil Within,” Zeenat quickly rose to prominence, featuring in films like “Hulchul” the following year. Her breakthrough came with “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” in the same year, propelling her to become one of the leading heroines in the industry. Over the years, she headlined films like “Satyam Shivam Sundaram” and “Qurbani” and was part of numerous hits including “Yaadon ki Baraat” and “Dostana,” solidifying her status as a celebrated actress in the Indian film industry.

After a hiatus of more than a decade, Zeenat Aman made a comeback to the film industry in the 2000s. She appeared in movies such as “Ugli Aur Pagli” and “Dunno Y… Na Jaane Kyon.” In 2017, she ventured into the digital space with her debut in “Love Life & Screw Ups.”
This year, Zeenat announced her involvement in the film “Bun Tikki,” produced by Manish Malhotra, and featuring renowned actors Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol. Beyond “Bun Tikki,” she also has another project titled “Margaon: The Closed File” in the pipeline, showcasing her enduring presence and diverse roles in both traditional and digital realms of the entertainment industry.