Zeenat Aman

{{Infobox person

| name = Zeenat Aman

| image = Zeenat Aman at the Society Achievers Awards 2018 (cropped).jpg

| caption = Aman in 2018

| birth_name = Zeenat Amanullah Khan

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1951|11|19|df=y}}

| birth_place = Bombay, Bombay State, India

| education =

| years active = 1970–present

| works = Full list

| occupation = {{hlist|Actress|model}}

| spouse = {{ubl|{{Marriage|Sanjay Khan|1978|1979|reason=annulled}}|{{Marriage|Mazhar Khan|1985|1998|end=d}}}}

| children = 2

| relatives = See Murad–Rai-Aman family

| module = {{Infobox pageant titleholder

| embed = yes

| title = {{ubl

| Femina Miss India Asia Pacific 1970

| Miss Asia Pacific 1970

}}

Zeenat Amanullah Khan (born 19 November 1951), known professionally as Zeenat Aman, is an Indian actress and model who mainly works in Hindi films. One of the leading actresses of Indian cinema,{{Cite news |title=Top heroines of Bollywood |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/top-actresses-of-bollywood-ever-367543-2012-05-01/8 |url-status=live |access-date=24 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128234730/https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/top-actresses-of-bollywood-ever-367543-2012-05-01/8 |archive-date=28 November 2020}} she established herself as one of the highest paid actresses of her time and is cited in the media as a sex symbol.{{Cite web |title=75 Bollywood Actresses Who Ruled The Silver Screen With Grace, Beauty And Talent |work=Outlook India |date=16 August 2022 |access-date=16 August 2022 |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-bollywood-actresses-who-ruled-the-silver-screen-with-grace-beauty-and-talent-news-216694/amp |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-bollywood-actresses-who-ruled-the-silver-screen-with-grace-beauty-and-talent-news-216694/amp |url-status=live }} She is the recipient of a Filmfare Award from three nominations.

Aman first received recognition after winning the Femina Miss India pageant and the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant in 1970. Aman began acting that same year, appearing in the films The Evil Within (1970), Hungama (1971) and Hulchul (1971). Her breakthrough came with Dev Anand's drama film Haré Rama Haré Krishna (1971), which won her the Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award for Best Actress and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. She continued to rise to prominence in the 1970s, playing leading roles in films such as Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), Ajanabee (1974), Warrant (1975), Chori Mera Kaam (1975), Dharam Veer (1977), Chhailla Babu (1977), Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977), and The Great Gambler (1979). She also starred as Roma in the action film Don (1978), and was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for the controversial film Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978). Also in 1978, she married Sanjay Khan; after suffering a highly-publicized domestic violence incident from Khan, the marriage was annulled in 1979.

In the early 1980s, Aman had leading roles in Abdullah (1980), Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980), Qurbani (1980), Dostana (1980), and Insaf Ka Tarazu (1980), the lattermost of which earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. She continued acting in films throughout the early 1980s, with roles in the films Laawaris (1981), Teesri Aankh (1982), Mahaan (1983), Pukar (1983), and Jagir (1984). After her marriage to actor Mazhar Khan in 1985, she began acting less frequently in films. After appearing in the courtroom drama film Gawaahi (1989), she took a hiatus to focus on her marriage which lasted until Khan's death in 1998. In 1999, Aman returned with a minor role in the film Bhopal Express. After another brief hiatus, she appeared in the film Boom (2003). She has since had roles in several independent films, including Ugly Aur Pagli (2008), Dunno Y... Na Jaane Kyon (2010), Chaurahen (2012), Strings of Passion (2014), Dunno Y2... Life Is a Moment (2015), Dil Toh Deewana Hai (2016), and Sallu Ki Shaadi (2017), and the war film Panipat (2019).

Early life

Zeenat Aman was born as Zeenat Amanullah Khan{{cite news |last1=Rawat |first1=Kshitij Mohan |title=Zeenat Aman responds to Satyam Shivam Sundaram controversy: 'Nothing obscene about human body' |url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-zeenat-aman-responds-to-satyam-shivam-sundaram-controversy-nothing-obscene-about-human-body-562744 |access-date=20 July 2023 |work=WION |date=16 February 2023 |language=en-us}} in Bombay on 19 November 1951,{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/happy-birthday-zeenat-aman-accidental-actor-who-redefined-indian-film-heroine-but-was-unlucky-in-love/story-t7haEwxtyftxNcaOajZaRM.html |title=Happy Birthday Zeenat Aman: Accidental actor who redefined Indian film heroine but was unlucky in love |date=19 November 2019 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |access-date=16 December 2019}} to a Pathan Muslim father, Amanullah Khan, and a Maharashtrian mother, Vardhini Scindia Scharwächter.{{efn|German last name from the later step-father of Zeenat}}{{cite news |title=Zeenat Aman shares note on her mother Vardhini Scharwachter: 'She epitomised the ideas of tolerance, love and empowerment' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/zeenat-aman-shares-note-on-her-mother-vardhini-scharwachter-8442901/ |work=The Indian Express |date=13 February 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163524/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/zeenat-aman-shares-note-on-her-mother-vardhini-scharwachter-8442901/ |archive-date=Feb 13, 2023}}Hindustan times [https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/zeenat-aman-fathers-day-instagram-post-childhood-photo-101687077336487.html Zeenat Aman...reveals how she got her surname] Jun 18, 2023 02:31 PM ISTElgin hotel resorts [https://www.elginhotels.com/elgin-celebrity-zeenat-aman/ Zeenat Aman, a timeless actress] Elgin exclusive feature Aman is the cousin of actor Raza Murad and the niece of actor Murad. Amanullah Khan{{cite web |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/birthday-special-zeenat-aman-marriage-controversy-you-did-not-know/974202 |title=Birthday special: Zeenat Aman marriage controversy you did not know |website=Free Press Journal – Latest India News, Live Updates, Breaking news from Mumbai |access-date=29 November 2018}}{{cite magazine |last=Sanghvi |first=Vir |author-link=Vir Sanghvi |date=September 5, 2014 |orig-date=November 15, 1977 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/19771115-zeenat-aman-seeks-recognition-as-an-actress-823475-2014-09-05 |title=Zeenat Aman seeks recognition as an actress |magazine=India Today |access-date=29 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111220852/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/19771115-zeenat-aman-seeks-recognition-as-an-actress-823475-2014-09-05 |archive-date=November 11, 2018}} was a screenwriter for movies such as Mughal-e-Azam (1960) and {{Lang|ur-latn|Pakeezah}} (1972), often writing under the nom de plume "Aman", which she later adopted as her screen name. Zeenat had lost her father at a young age while still in her school years. Amanullah's mother Akhtar Jahan Begum was a first cousin to Hamidullah Khan, the last Nawab of Bhopal.{{Cite news |title=Veteran actress Zeenat Aman reveals how she got her surname |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/lifestyle/veteran-actress-zeenat-aman-reveals-how-she-got-her-surname-518431 |work=Tribune India |agency=IANS |date=19 June 2023 |access-date=16 May 2024 |quote=My father Amanullah Khan came from royal stock. His mother Akhtar Jahan Begum was first cousins with the last ruler of the state of Bhopal, his highness Nawab Hamidullah Khan. Aman sahab, as he was known, was one of eight siblings, and they led a leisurely life in Bhopal.}}

Aman's parents divorced when she was young.{{Cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/happy-birthday-zeenat-aman-accidental-actor-who-redefined-indian-film-heroine-but-was-unlucky-in-love/story-t7haEwxtyftxNcaOajZaRM.html |title=Accidental Star who Redefined Indian Film Heroine |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=8 February 2020}} When she was 13, her father died.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} She completed her schooling in Panchgani and attended University of Southern California in Los Angeles on student aid, but could not complete her graduation.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}

Career

= 1970s =

In 1970, she participated in the Femina Miss India pageant, where she came in second place and was titled the 'First Princess'.{{cite web |url=https://timescontent.com/syndication-photos/reprint/fashion/264716/miss-veena-sajnani.html |website=timescontent.com |publisher=Times Group |title=Miss Veena Sajnani, Fashion Photo, Radiant young Veena Sajnani is... |access-date=12 January 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426073517/https://timescontent.com/syndication-photos/reprint/fashion/264716/miss-veena-sajnani.html |archivedate=26 April 2023 |url-status=dead}} Following this, she competed in, and won, the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant, becoming the person to hold both pageant titles at the same time.{{Cite web |last=Simeon |date=9 March 2017 |title=The Bold and Beautiful: Zeenat Aman Miss Asia Pacific 1970 |url=https://indianandworldpageant.com/2017/03/09/the-bold-and-beautiful-zeenat-aman-miss-asia-pacific-1970/ |access-date=24 April 2020 |website=Indian and World Pageant |language=en}} After winning these pageants Aman began acting, appearing first in the film The Evil Within (1970) alongside Dev Anand, which was commercially unsuccessful.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/did-you-know/did-you-know-dev-anand-acted-in-a-hollywood-movie-in-1970/articleshow/63974886.cms |title=Did you know Dev Anand acted in a Hollywood movie in 1970? – Times of India |website=The Times of India |date=30 April 2018 |language=en |access-date=16 December 2019}} In 1971, Aman appeared in a minor role in O. P. Ralhan's Hulchul, and in the same year appeared in the film Hungama, which starred Vinod Khanna, Kishore Kumar, Mehmood and Helen; both films were flops at the box office.{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/celebs/happy-68th-birthday-zeenat-aman-meet-the-glamour-icon-who-broke-all-rules-in-bollywood-500253.html |title=Happy 68th Birthday, Zeenat Aman! Meet The Glamour Icon Who Broke All Rules in Bollywood |date=19 November 2019 |website=The Times of India |language=en |access-date=16 December 2019}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.asianage.com/entertainment/bollywood/300819/i-am-not-a-feminist-i-am-a-humanist-zeenat-aman.html |title=I am not a feminist, I am a humanist: Zeenat Aman |last=Ramasubramanian |first=Uma |date=31 August 2019 |website=The Asian Age |access-date=16 December 2019}} Actor and director Dev Anand soon approached Aman to star as Jasbir/Janice in his 1971 musical drama Haré Rama Haré Krishna, after actress Zaheeda turned down the role.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mid-day.com/specials/2009/jun/140609-Second-Lead-Nalini-Jaywant-Zeenat-Aman-Hare-Rama-Hare-Krishna-Bollywood-Quotes-Play.htm |title=Mid-Day}} The film was a critical and commercial success, and proved to be a breakthrough for Aman.{{Cite news |title=When Dev Anand met the Dum Maro Dum girl Zeenat Aman – Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/When-Dev-Anand-met-the-Dum-Maro-Dum-girl-Zeenat-Aman/articleshow/43215981.cms |access-date=16 December 2019 |website=The Times of India |date=23 September 2014 |language=en}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/happy-birthday-zeenat-aman-satyam-shivam-sundaram-to-don-5-must-watch-movies-of-the-actress-2392281.html |title=Happy Birthday Zeenat Aman: Satyam Shivam Sundaram to Don, 5 Must-Watch Movies of the Glamour Queen |website=News18 |date=19 November 2019 |access-date=16 December 2019}} She won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress{{cite web |url=http://deep750.googlepages.com/FilmfareAwards.pdf |title=1st Filmfare Awards 1953 |access-date=29 November 2018 |archive-date=12 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612065210/http://deep750.googlepages.com/FilmfareAwards.pdf |url-status=dead}} and the Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award for Best Actress (Hindi) for her performance in the film.{{cite web |url=http://www.bfjaaward.com/award-winners.php?year=1973 |title=Bengal Film Journalists' Association |access-date=10 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222164443/http://www.bfjaaward.com/award-winners.php?year=1973 |archive-date=22 December 2015}}

In the 1970s, Cine Blitz magazine was launched, with Aman on the cover of its first issue.{{cite web |title=Protima's naked run: Cine Blitz Profile |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/specials/proj_tabloid/protimastory.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730182407/http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/specials/proj_tabloid/protimastory.shtml |archive-date=30 July 2014 |access-date=30 July 2014 |work=Hindustan Times}} In 1973, she starred in Heera Panna, yet again appearing alongside Anand, and in Nasir Hussain's Yaadon Ki Baaraat as Sunita, the love interest of Vijay Arora. The latter film was described by film scholar Kaushik Baumik as "the first quintessential Bollywood film", proved to be a major commercial success at the box office.{{Cite book |last=Chaudhuri |first=Diptakirti |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Cri9CgAAQBAJ&pg=PT58 |title=Written by Salim-Javed: The Story of Hindi Cinema's Greatest Screenwriters |date=1 October 2015 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=9789352140084 |language=en |quote=Film scholar Kaushik Bhaumik calls it 'the first masala classic as well as the first Bollywood film'.}} Aman's performance in the song "Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko" garnered considerable attention, after which she became known as the "girl in white carrying a guitar".{{cite web |author=Dinesh Raheja |author-link=Dinesh Raheja |date=12 November 2002 |title=The A to Z of Zeenat Aman |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/nov/12dinesh.htm |access-date=14 January 2011 |work=Rediff.com}} She also starred in Dhund (1973) alongside Sanjay Khan and Danny Denzongpa; its plot was inspired by the Agatha Christie novel The Unexpected Guest.{{Cite news |title=Aboard the mystery train |url=https://m.cinemaexpress.com/stories/trends/2017/nov/22/aboard-the-mystery-train-3207.amp |access-date=3 May 2022 |work=Indian Express |date=22 November 2017 |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127163337/https://m.cinemaexpress.com/stories/trends/2017/nov/22/aboard-the-mystery-train-3207.amp |url-status=dead}}{{Cite news |last=Rawat |first= Kshitij |date=11 February 2022 |title=A brief history of Agatha Christie's (mostly uncredited) Indian adaptations: Gumnaam, Shubho Mahurat, and Grandmaster |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/a-brief-history-of-agatha-christie-indian-adaptations-gumnaam-shubho-mahurat-grandmaster-7765949/ |access-date=3 May 2022 |work=The Indian Express}} The cast's performance was praised,{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} and the film was a moderate commercial success.{{Cite web |title=Dhund (1973): A Gripping Thriller |url=http://www.moneylife.in/article/dhund-1973-a-gripping-thriller/57703.html |access-date=17 December 2019 |website=Moneylife NEWS & VIEWS}}

In 1974, Aman starred in Manoj Kumar's action drama Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, where she portrayed Sheetal, an opportunist who deserts her jobless lover for a millionaire.{{Cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/dont-listen-to-your-heart-always-zeenat-aman-17277.html |title="Don't listen to your heart always." – Zeenat Aman |website=filmfare.com |language=en |access-date=16 December 2019}} Aman had continued to star alongside Dev Anand throughout the year, appearing together in Prem Shastra and Ishq Ishq Ishq. She played Nisha, a recovering prostitute, in the Shammi Kapoor-directed film Manoranjan, and starred in Ajanabee as Rashmi, an ambitious girl who runs away to marry her lover but then faces a difficult choice; the latter film had an average box office performance.{{Cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=180&catName=MTk3NA== |title=Boxofficeindia.com |date=16 October 2011 |access-date=16 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016223214/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=180&catName=MTk3NA== |archive-date=16 October 2011}} In 1975, Aman appeared in two films: she portrayed an assassin Warrant, and played 'Sharmeeli' in Chori Mera Kaam; both films were successful.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/chori-mera-kaam-1975/article6683094.ece |title=Chori Mera Kaam (1975) |last=Lokapally |first=Vijay |date=11 December 2014 |work=The Hindu |access-date=16 December 2019 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}

Aman appeared in Deewaangee alongside Shashi Kapoor, and had an uncredited voice role in Balika Badhu. In 1977, she starred as a princess in Dharam Veer alongside Dharmendra, Jeetendra, and Neetu Singh. This was the second highest-grossing Hindi film of that year.{{Cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=183&catName=MTk3Nw== |title=Boxofficeindia.com |date=11 October 2012 |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011102833/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=183&catName=MTk3Nw== |archive-date=11 October 2012}} She had roles in the films Darling Darling (again alongside Dev Anand) and Chhailla Babu, which was a commercial success.{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/business-of-bollywood/chhaila-babu-a-tale-of-deception-and-seduction/articleshow/3343963.cms?curpg=1 |title=Chhaila Babu: A tale of deception and seduction |last=Pai |first=Gaurav |date=9 August 2008 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=16 December 2019}} Aman next appeared in Hum Kisise Kum Naheen as Sunita, the lover of Rishi Kapoor, which was the third highest-grossing Hindi film of the year.{{Cite news |date=7 March 2013 |title=Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977) |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/hum-kisise-kum-naheen-1977/article4484547.ece |access-date=16 December 2019 |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=183&catName=MTk3Nw== |title=BoxOfficeIndia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323192239/https://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=183&catName=MTk3Nw== |archive-date=23 March 2009 |url-status=dead}} Aman next attempted to enter Hollywood with Krishna Shah's film Shalimar, but it proved unsuccessful in both the United States and India. She next acted in Heeralaal Pannalal with Shashi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor and Neetu Singh, then starred in Chor Ke Ghar Chor opposite Ashok Kumar and Randhir Kapoor .{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Chor-Ke-Ghar-Chor-1978/article16742427.ece |title=Chor Ke Ghar Chor (1978) |last=Lokapally |first=Vijay |date=2 December 2016 |work=The Hindu |access-date=16 December 2019 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}

Aman next starred in Raj Kapoor's romantic drama Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978), which she influenced Kapoor to let her audition for, as she described to Cinestaan: "When I knocked on the door and he [Kapoor] asked who it was, I replied, 'Your future heroine'. I think he was touched by my dedication and determination to act in his film".{{Cite web |last=Pandya |first=Sonal |date=24 March 2018 |title=40 years of Satyam Shivam Sundaram: Raj Kapoor's troubled love story |url=https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2018/mar/24/11990/40-years-of-satyam-shivam-sundaram-raj-kapoor-s-troubled-love-story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812205833/https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2018/mar/24/11990/40-years-of-satyam-shivam-sundaram-raj-kapoor-s-troubled-love-story |url-status=live |archive-date=12 August 2020 |website=Cinetsaan |access-date=3 May 2022}} The film was a box office success,{{Cite web |url=https://bestoftheyear.in/movie/satyam-shivam-sundaram/ |title=Satyam Shivam Sundaram – Lifetime Box Office Collection, Budget, Reviews, Cast, etc |website=BOTY |date=16 January 2018 |language=en-US |access-date=16 December 2019}} but it initially drew criticism from critics, with many describing the plot as counter-intuitive; the subject dealt with the "soul being more attractive than the body" despite Kapoor's showcase of Aman's sex appeal.{{Cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |date=14 December 2019 |title=When Raj Kapoor gave gold coins to Zeenat Aman! |language=en-US |newspaper=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/when-raj-kapoor-gave-gold-coins-to-zeenat-aman-117022300233_1.html |access-date=16 December 2019}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/blast-from-the-past-satyam-shivam-sundaram-1977/article6445425.ece |title=Blast from the Past: Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1977) |last=Salam |first=Ziya Us |date=25 September 2014 |work=The Hindu |access-date=16 December 2019 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} Aman's performance in the film garnered high praise and she received her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Also in 1978, Aman originated the role of Roma in the film Don.{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiafm.com/features/2005/7/20/623/index.html |title=The perfect Zeenat |date=22 June 2006 |access-date=16 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060622232914/http://www.indiafm.com/features/2005/7/20/623/index.html |archive-date=22 June 2006}} The producer of the film, Nariman Irani, had been losing money at the time, which led the actress to take the role to help him and refusing payment for her work.{{Cite news |last=PpTI |date=10 May 2018 |title=40 years of 'Don': A film Bollywood rejected, people accepted |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/40-years-of-don-a-film-bollywood-rejected-people-accepted/articleshow/64108975.cms |access-date=3 May 2022 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Us-Salam |first=Ziya |date=6 November 2007 |title=The Hindu : Friday Review Delhi : Don, down the decades |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/10/20/stories/2006102001510100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106064309/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/10/20/stories/2006102001510100.htm |archive-date=6 November 2007 |access-date=3 May 2022 |work=The Hindu}}{{Cite web |title=An exclusive interview with Chandra Barot, who made the first Don |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/16sld3.htm |access-date=3 May 2022 |work=Rediff}} Irani died midway through filming.{{cite web |url=https://ia.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/27zeenat.htm |title=Zeenat: I think Vijay is missing |date=27 October 2006 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 November 2018}} The film released to significant commercial success, while garnering positive reviews for Aman's performance.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=184&catName=MTk3OA== |title=Boxofficeindia.com |date=20 October 2013 |access-date=16 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020102521/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=184&catName=MTk3OA== |archive-date=20 October 2013}} It inspired the Don franchise,{{Cite web |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/farhan-s-next-don-to-go-on-floors-in-october-news-bollywood-kkfqQ5hjbgisi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206213151/http://www.sify.com/movies/farhan-s-next-don-to-go-on-floors-in-october-news-bollywood-kkfqQ5hjbgisi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 December 2017 |title=Farhan's next Don to go on floors in October |website=Sify |language=en |access-date=16 December 2019}} where Aman's character has been portrayed by Priyanka Chopra.{{Cite web |date=15 December 2005 |title=Priyanka's race to the top |url=http://www.indiafm.com/news/2005/7/5/5433/index.html |access-date=3 May 2022 |website=indiafm.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051215093341/http://www.indiafm.com/news/2005/7/5/5433/index.html |archive-date=15 December 2005 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |date=22 June 2006 |title=The perfect Zeenat |url=http://www.indiafm.com/features/2005/7/20/623/index.html |access-date=3 May 2022 |website=indiafm.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060622232914/http://www.indiafm.com/features/2005/7/20/623/index.html |archive-date=22 June 2006 |url-status=dead}}

In 1979, Aman starred as Shabnam in The Great Gambler. She described her experience working on the film as one of her favourites, particularly when they filmed in Italy.{{Cite web |title=Life and times of a movie legend – EasternEye |url=https://www.easterneye.biz/life-and-times-of-a-movie-legend/ |access-date=1 March 2021 |website=easterneye.biz |date=15 November 2019}} When released, it became a sleeper hit.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=185&catName=MTk3OQ==&PHPSESSID=b754628e151e869b2426dfd035eb7581=== |title=Box Office India – The Great Gambler |date=27 August 2018 |access-date=16 December 2019}}{{dead link|date=June 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Her final role that year was a guest appearance in the film Gol Maal.

= 1980s =

In 1980, Aman first had roles in the films Takkar as Sapna, and in Ram Balram as Madhu. She also starred as Radha alongside Vinod Khanna in Bombay 405 Miles. Aman next starred as Zainab in the Sanjay Khan directed film Abdullah, starring alongside Raj Kapoor, Danny Denzongpa and Khan himself. The film had one of the highest budgets spent on any film at the time.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=slIqAAAAYAAJ |title=Cine Blitz |date=1979 |publisher=Blitz Publications |language=en}} Despite underperforming in India,{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=186&catName=MTk4MA== |title=Boxofficeindia.com |date=5 October 2013 |access-date=16 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005061223/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=186&catName=MTk4MA== |archive-date=5 October 2013}} the film achieved success in the Soviet Union.{{Cite web |url=https://kinanet.livejournal.com/1469857.html |title=Зарубежные популярные фильмы в советском кинопрокате (Индия) |website=kinanet.livejournal.com |language=en-us |access-date=16 December 2019}} Aman next starred as Fatima in the Indian-Soviet produced film Adventures of Ali-Baba and the Forty Thieves, better known as Alibaba Aur 40 Chor, which is one of three film adaptations of the original folk tale, and was also noted for being one of the first movies to cast actors of other nationalities. It was a moderate success,{{Cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=186&catName=MTk4MA== |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029225849/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=186&catName=MTk4MA== |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 October 2008 |title=BoxOffice India.com |date=29 October 2008 |access-date=16 December 2019}} and was one of the more successful Indian-Soviet co-productions.{{Cite journal |last=Salazkina |first=Masha |date=Summer 2010 |title=Soviet-Indian Coproductions: Ali Baba as Political Allegory |url=https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/978004/1/Soviet-Indian_coproductions_proofs.pdf |journal=Cinema Journal |volume=49 |issue=4 |pages=69–87|doi=10.1353/cj.2010.0002 }}

Aman next starred in the Feroz Khan-directed film Qurbani alongside Khan and Vinod Khanna; she was cast as Sheela, a singer and dancer. The film was a major success at the box-office, and the soundtrack received particular praise.{{Cite web |url=https://thevinylfactory.com/features/12-x-12-the-12-best-bollywood-disco-records/ |title=12 x 12: The 12 best Bollywood disco records |author= |date=28 February 2014 |website=The Vinyl Factory |language=en-US |access-date=16 December 2019}}{{Cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=283&catName=MTk4MC0xOTg5 |title=BoxOffice India.com |date=5 February 2010 |access-date=16 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205042958/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=283&catName=MTk4MC0xOTg5 |archive-date=5 February 2010}} The song "Aap Jaisa Koi", which had been sung by Nazia Hassan and picturised on Aman, received high praise.{{Cite web |title=How late icon Nazia Hassan created pop – EasternEye |url=https://www.easterneye.biz/how-late-icon-nazia-hassan-created-pop/ |access-date=26 February 2021 |website=easterneye.biz |date=18 June 2020}} Aman also starred as Sheetal in the film Dostana alongside Amitabh Bachchan. She was next cast as a rape victim seeking justice in B. R. Chopra's Insaf Ka Tarazu, which was one of few films at the time to focus on its storyline rather than its soundtrack. The film earned Aman critical acclaim and her second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. In 1981, Aman appeared in four films: first starrimg as Sonia, the love interest to Dharmendra, in Professor Pyarelal, followed by starring as Jamila Katilon Ke Kaatil, then appeared as Neera in Krodhi and a leading role alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Laawaris.

In 1982, Aman starred in the crime film Ashanti. In 1983, she starred in Mahaan as Rita, which was the first film to feature a triple-role character. The film turned to be an above-average grosser.{{Cite web |url=http://www.talkingmoviez.com/2018/06/amitabh-bachchan-hits-flops-and.html |title=Amitabh Bachchan Hits, Flops and Blockbusters : Box Office Analysis |date=20 December 2018 |access-date=16 December 2019}} In the same year, she starred as Julie in Pukar, which had an average performance at the box office. Her final role of that year was as Nisha Thakur in Hum Se Hai Zamana. In 1984, she starred in Jagir as the main heroine Sima, alongside Dharmendra, Mithun Chakraborty and Pran.

From 1985 to 1989, she appeared less frequently in films to focus more on her marriage with Mazhar Khan; her films in this period were critically and financially unsuccessful. She starred in the film Gawahi, a courtroom drama,{{Cite news |last=IANS |title=Zeenat Aman: Have had an iconic journey |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/zeenat-aman-have-had-an-iconic-journey/articleshow/74254385.cms |access-date=26 February 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en |date=22 February 2020}} which would be her last film role before temporarily retiring from the film industry.

= 2000s =

After ten years of inactivity, Aman appeared in a cameo role in Bhopal Express. She didn't appear in another film until 2003, when she played Alice in Boom. The film drastically underperformed at the box office,{{Cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-jackie-may-revive-his-banner-1050547 |title=Jackie may revive his banner |last=Ayaz |first=Shaikh |date=1 September 2006 |website=DNA India |language=en |access-date=18 November 2019}} creating financial problems for the film's crew, including the producer Ayesha Shroff.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Kat-is-Turquotte-not-Kaif-Ayesha-Shroff/articleshow/4905115.cms |title=Kat is Turquotte, not Kaif: Ayesha Shroff – Times of India |website=The Times of India |date=18 August 2009 |language=en |access-date=18 November 2019}}

In 2004, she appeared as Mrs. Robinson in the play The Graduate staged at St Andrew's Auditorium in Mumbai. She also made an appearance, along with actress Hema Malini, in the talk show Koffee with Karan hosted by Karan Johar.{{Cite web |url=https://www.hotstar.com/in/tv/koffee-with-karan/s-74/seasons/season-1/ss-931/ |title=Watch Koffee With Karan Season 1 Full Episodes on Hotstar |website=Hotstar |language=en |access-date=27 December 2019}} Aman then had roles in the films Maksham (2005), Jaana... Let's Fall in Love (2006) as Raju's mother, and in Chaurahen which was released in 2012, but had originally been filmed and shelved in 2007.{{Cite web |url=https://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood |title=NDTV Movies: Bollywood News {{!}} Celebrity News {{!}} Celebrity Gossip {{!}} Latest Bollywood Stories |website=movies.ndtv.com |access-date=16 December 2019}} In 2008, Aman guest starred in the romantic comedy Ugly Aur Pagli. The following year, she starred in the film Geeta in Paradise. In 2008, Aman received a Lifetime Achievement Award during the Zee Cine Awards, as a recognition of her contribution to Hindi Cinema. She also received an "Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema" award at the 2010 IIFA Awards held at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

= 2010s =

In 2010, Aman starred as Rebecca in Dunno Y... Na Jaane Kyon. Originally aired at film festivals nationwide, the film drew immense controversy and was panned by critics for its gay stereotypes.{{Cite web |url=http://greginhollywood.com/indian-film-star-yuvraaj-parashar-is-disowned-by-his-family-for-playing-a-gay-man-in-a-film-38135 |title=Indian film star Yuvraaj Parasher is disowned by his family for playing a gay man in a film |last1=Hern |first1=Greg |access-date=16 December 2019}} However, the film achieved success through film festivals and later achieved a limited theatrical release.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/KapilYuvraaj-Parashar-going-global/articleshow/6392014.cms |title=Kapil,Yuvraaj Parashar going global – Times of India |website=The Times of India |date=23 August 2010 |language=en |access-date=18 November 2019}} In the film, Aman performed the songs Aap Jaisa Koi and Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo.{{Cite web |url=https://archive.mid-day.com/news/2009/dec/121209-Zeenat-Aman-Aap-Jaisa-Koi-Qurbani-Christmas-party.htm |title=Zeenat forced to sing Aap Jaisa Koi as punishment |website=archive.mid-day.com |access-date=18 November 2019}} It later spawned the sequel Dunno Y2... Life Is a Moment, released in 2014, which Aman also starred in. In 2012, Aman was cast as Roma in the film Strings of Passion. Aman had roles in the films Dil Toh Deewana Hai (2016) and Sallu Ki Shaadi (2017). Sallu Ki Shaadi was made as a tribute to actor Salman Khan.{{Cite web |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1562692/4-director-dedicates-upcoming-film-sallu-ki-shaadi-salman-khan |title=Director dedicates upcoming film 'Sallu Ki Shaadi' to Salman Khan |date=19 November 2017 |website=The Express Tribune}}

In 2017, Aman was cast in the short-lived web series Love Life & Screw Ups, in which she played the main role of Joanna, a spinster with a drastic love life and personal problems, who frequently mingles with younger people.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/watch-the-trailer-of-zeenat-amans-web-series-love-life-and-screw-ups-is-out-and-it-isnt-impressive/articleshow/58049531.cms |title=WATCH: The trailer of Zeenat Aman's web series 'Love, Life and Screw Ups' is out and it isn't impressive – Times of India |website=The Times of India |date=6 April 2017 |language=en |access-date=27 December 2019}} The show was featured in international film festivals, including a film festival in Poland, being the first Indian web series to be shown at a festival there.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/zeenat-amans-web-series-applauded/articleshow/58549377.cms |title=Zeenat Aman's web series applauded – Times of India |website=The Times of India |date=7 May 2017 |language=en |access-date=29 December 2019}} While the series received generally mixed reviews, Aman's performance was praised by critics.

In June 2019, Aman joined the cast of the film Panipat,{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/RelianceEnt/status/1193114434513715200 |title=Sakina Begum – Friends can be found in the darkest of places. #PanipatLook #Panipat #Dec6 @duttsanjay @arjunk26 @kritisanon #ZeenatAman @AshGowariker #SunitaGowariker @RohitShelatkar @Shibasishsarkar @agppl @visionworldfilm @ZeeMusicCompanypic.twitter.com/hBjRC0EuRi |last=Entertainment |first=Reliance |date=9 November 2019 |website=@RelianceEnt |language=en |access-date=18 November 2019}}Wikipedia:SPS{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/veteran-actress-zeenat-aman-joins-cast-of-ashutosh-gowariker-s-panipat-details-here-1550335-2019-06-17 |title=Veteran actress Zeenat Aman joins cast of Ashutosh Gowariker's Panipat. Details here |date=17 June 2019 |website=India Today |language=en |access-date=6 December 2019}}{{Cite web |url=https://connectgujarat.com/ashutosh-gowarikers-period-drama-panipat-first-poster-is-out/ |title=Ashutosh Gowariker's period drama 'Panipat' first poster is out – Connect Gujarat Ashutosh Gowariker's period drama 'Panipat' first poster is out |date=1 November 2019 |website=Connect Gujarat |language=en-US |access-date=18 November 2019}} where she portrayed the minor role of Sakina Begum, a character described by director Ashutosh Gowariker as "a feisty character leading her province of Hoshiyarganj." It was released theatrically in December 2019, emerging as a box-office failure.{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/panipat-movie-review-arjun-kapoor-sanjay-dutt-and-kriti-sanon-film-is-a-brave-attempt-1625348-2019-12-06 |title=Panipat Movie Review: Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Kriti Sanon film is a brave attempt – Movies News |website=India Today |date=6 December 2019 |author=Nairita Mukherjee |access-date=12 January 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/panipat-box-office-collection-day-5-arjun-kapoor-kriti-sanon-and-sanjay-dutts-periodic-drama-fails-to-impress-the-audience/articleshow/72470287.cms |title='Panipat' box office collection day 5: Arjun Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Sanjay Dutt's periodic drama fails to impress the audience – Times of India |website=The Times of India |date=11 December 2019 |language=en |access-date=8 January 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/panipat-remains-low-at-the-box-office-37878.html |title=Panipat remains low at the box-office |website=filmfare.com |language=en |access-date=8 January 2020}} In a September 2019 interview with Eastern Eye, Aman discussed her current activity in the film industry, saying that "There are no great age appropriate roles for ladies my age. They are very few and far between in Hindi cinema, so that's it, but I wouldn't say no if a really great role came along."

= 2020s =

In February 2020, it was announced that Aman was staging a comeback in theatre, appearing in a play on Kasturba Gandhi.{{Cite news |title=Zeenat Aman To Make Theatre Comeback with a Play On Mahatma Gandhi And Wife Kasturba |publisher=NDTV |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/zeenat-aman-to-make-theatre-comeback-with-a-play-on-mahatma-gandhi-and-wife-kasturba-2160773 |last=PTI |access-date=8 February 2020 |date=8 January 2020}} In January 2021, it was announced that she would star in the upcoming murder-mystery film Margaon: The Closed File, her first leading role since the 1980s.{{Cite web |last=CineBlitz |first=Team |date=7 January 2021 |title=Zeenat Aman to feature in murder mystery Margaon: The Closed File |url=https://cineblitz.in/news-gossip/zeenat-aman-to-feature-in-murder-mystery-margaon-the-closed-file/ |access-date=3 May 2022 |website=CineBlitz |language=en-US}} In the film, which is a tribute to Agatha Christie, Aman portrayed the "head of an Anglo Indian family who is an independent woman, a mother as well as an entrepreneur."{{cite news |last1=Ramsay |first1=Amit |last2=D'Souza |first2=Caroline Esther |title=Zeenat Aman to feature in murder mystery 'Margaon: The Closed File' |url=https://zeenews.india.com/bollywood/zeenat-aman-to-feature-in-murder-mystery-margaon-the-closed-file-2335154.html |access-date=12 January 2021 |work=Zee News |date=10 January 2021 |language=en}}

Legacy

File:Zeenat Aman at Esha Deol's wedding reception 12.jpg

Aman is regarded as one of the greatest actresses of Indian cinema. One of the highest paid actress of the 1970s and early 1980s, Aman appeared in Box Office India{{'}}s "Top Actresses" list eight times (from 1974 to 1981).{{cite web |title=Top Actresses |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104144753/http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress |archive-date=4 January 2012 |access-date=24 September 2020 |work=Box Office India}} In 2022, she was placed in Outlook India{{'}}s "75 Best Bollywood Actresses" list.

Aman initially met with controversy in her acting career for her sexualisation in a number of films, which some critics and fans believed overshadowed her performances. Commenting on this, she told Hindustan Times: "I don't regret or feel bad about anything that happened or may not have happened. If I lost something, I gained something more. The fact that I can look back at my career with so much pride and happiness means I have had a good run without any complaints."{{Cite web |date=2 February 2013 |title=Zeenat Aman, a sexagenarian, set to marry again |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/zeenat-aman-a-sexagenarian-set-to-marry-again/story-AVYuOPQUWGy7BWlPrAzhnL.html |access-date=5 October 2020 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} She has frequently been cited as the original sex symbol of Bollywood, and is notorious for her figure and looks.{{Cite web |title=Zeenat Aman: Bollywood's original sex symbol is still a diva at 68 |url=https://www.mid-day.com/photos/zeenat-aman-bollywoods-original-sex-symbol-is-still-a-diva/15322 |access-date=18 November 2019 |website=mid-day |language=en}} However, Aman has stated that she does not take the label seriously,{{Cite web |date=30 March 2019 |title=Zeenat Aman reveals she didn't take sex symbol tag in Bollywood seriously |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/zeenat-aman-reveals-she-didnt-take-sex-symbol-tag-in-bollywood-seriously/20646174 |access-date=18 November 2019 |website=mid-day |language=en}} and rather felt restricted by it.{{Cite web |title=Zeenat Aman: I was restricted by the 'sex symbol' tag – Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Zeenat-Aman-I-was-restricted-by-the-sex-symbol-tag/articleshow/48853298.cms |access-date=18 November 2019 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}

In March 2016, an exhibition created by artist Mina Siddique was launched in Dubai which featured various works and arts dedicated to Aman. It was titled as Zeenat Aman, with the tagline "Redefining Beauty". The event was attended by Aman herself, as well as members from various countries, including UAE and Pakistan.{{Cite web |url=https://www.springmediabubble.com/redefining-beauty-zeenat-aman-by-mina-siddique-collection-press-launch/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319145920/http://springmediabubble.com/redefining-beauty-zeenat-aman-by-mina-siddique-collection-press-launch/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=19 March 2016 |title=Spring Media Bubble |date=8 March 2016}} In April 2019, Bollywood Hungama listed Aman as one of the "10 Hottest Bollywood Actresses Of All Time".{{Cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/10-hottest-bollywood-actresses-time/ |title=10 Hottest Bollywood actresses of all time : Bollywood News – Bollywood Hungama |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=30 April 2019 |language=en |access-date=18 November 2019}}

In 2019 Aman commented on dealing with media exposure, saying that "...I haven't got used to it and feel very blessed. Like I said to you, it is only now I have realised how blessed I am. I see people watching my films and songs as a blessing. There is a wonderful feeling of nostalgia when they see my films and songs. Whenever I am in their city, they reach out to me with that love and I feel very blessed and grateful for the same."

Personal life

In 1978, Aman married actor Sanjay Khan, who was already married and a father of four children; this marriage was annulled in 1979, after Khan beat and physically assaulted her.{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Anshika |date=22 December 2016 |title=When Sanjay Khan & His Wife Beat up Zeenat Aman: Revisiting Bollywood's Most Shameful Scandal |url=https://www.vagabomb.com/When-Sanjay-Khan-His-Wife-Beat-up-Zeenat-Aman-Revisiting-Bollywoods-Most-Shameful-Scandal/ |access-date=15 May 2019 |website=vagabomb.com |language=en}} What happened was that, after finishing the shooting for Abdullah and while she was shooting for B. R. Chopra's Insaf Ka Tarazu, she received a phone call from Khan, who wanted to discuss reshooting specific scenes for Abdullah, to which she told him that she was already committed to shooting Insaf Ka Tarazu, but hearing that Khan became angry and accused her of infidelity. Hearing those accusations, she took a leave from B. R. Chopra and came to meet him, at a hotel where he was partying in one of the suites. Upon seeing her, he became furious and took her to a room in the suite, where he beat her severely, resulting in many injuries, particularly to her right eye.{{Cite news |date=31 August 2017 |title=Throwback Thursday: When Sanjay Khan beat up Zeenat Aman while his wife Zarine cheered him on |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sanjay-khan-zeenat-aman-fight-zarine-khan-1035241-2017-08-31 |access-date=15 May 2019 |newspaper=India Today |language=en}} This was witnessed by his wife, who allegedly joined him and cheered him on to keep beating Aman. The incident left Aman with a lazy eye, and she later stated that she pretends it never happened.{{Cite news |title=Zeenat Aman's troubled marriage |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/zeenat-amans-troubled-marriage/photostory/36999719.cms |access-date=4 November 2019 |website=The Times of India}}

Aman then married actor Mazhar Khan in 1985, and remained married until his death in 1998. With Mazhar, she has two sons: Azaan Khan,{{Cite news |last=Chhibber |first=Mini Anthikad |date=8 September 2015 |title=There are things I would have done differently |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/zeenat-aman-tells-everything-from-heavy-metal-to-settling-down/article7625948.ece |access-date=21 December 2019 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} a film director who directed the heist film Bankster, and composer Zahaan Khan.{{Cite web |date=16 August 2019 |title=Zeenat Aman's son Zahaan Khan to make his Bollywood debut |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/bollywood-news/article/zeenat-amans-son-zahaan-khan-to-make-his-bollywood-debut/470207 |access-date=18 November 2019 |website=timesnownews.com |language=en}} The family lives in Mumbai.{{Cite web |date=18 November 2019 |title=Birthday: Zeenat Aman was one of the bold actresses of the 90s, had love affair with this man |url=https://english.newstracklive.com/news/zeenat-aman-birthday-special-relationship-with-sanjay-khan-sc87-nu-1048864-1.html |access-date=18 November 2019 |website=News Track Live |language=en}} Of her marriage to Mazhar, Aman stated she was unhappy,{{Cite web |last=Garoo |first=Rohit |date=30 September 2016 |title=Zeenat Aman Marriage: The Troubled Love Life Of Bollywood's Original Diva |url=https://www.thebridalbox.com/articles/zeenat-aman-marriage_0055797/ |access-date=15 May 2019 |website=The Bridal Box |language=en-US}} revealing in 1999, on the show Rendezvous with Simi Garewal:{{Cite web |title=Rendezvous with Simi Garewal – Zeenat Aman (1999) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-iQPpeX7nA |access-date=7 April 2022 |website=YouTube}}

{{Blockquote|text=Mazhar never wanted me to grow as an individual or as an artist. He always wanted me to be with the kids and be at home. During the very first year of marriage I realised I had made a huge mistake, but I decided to live by it and make it work. I tried to make it work for another 12 years. There was no light at the end of the tunnel for me. There was not a single moment of happiness or joy during those 12 years. But I still tried making it work.|title=|source=}}

In February 2018, Aman filed a rape case against businessman Aman Khanna, better known as Sarfaraz.{{Cite web |title=Mumbai Businessman Arrested in Zeenat Aman Rape Case |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/mumbai-businessman-arrested-in-zeenat-aman-rape-case/309879 |access-date=11 November 2019 |website=Outlook}} After stalking, harassing, and robbing Aman, as well as allegedly raping Aman various times, charges were pressed against Khanna which led to his incarceration.{{Cite web |last=Navalkar |first=Shahab Ansari and Priyanka |date=24 March 2018 |title=Businessman arrested for raping and cheating Zeenat Aman |url=https://www.asianage.com/entertainment/bollywood/240318/businessman-arrested-for-raping-and-cheating-zeenat-aman.html |access-date=11 November 2019 |website=The Asian Age}} The incidents described were said to have taken place between 2011 and 2016.

Accolades

class="wikitable"

!Award

!Year

!Category

!Work

!Result

!Ref.

Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards

|1973

|Best Actress (Hindi)

|rowspan="2" |Haré Rama Haré Krishna

|{{won}}

| style="text-align:center;" |

rowspan="3" |Filmfare Awards

|1972

|Best Supporting Actress

|{{won}}

| style="text-align:center;" |

1979

|rowspan="2"|Best Actress

|Satyam Shivam Sundaram

|{{nominated}}

| style="text-align:center;" |

1981

|Insaf Ka Tarazu

|{{nominated}}

| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards/winners |title=Filmfare Awards Winners From 1953 to 2023 |website=filmfare.com}}

Honours

2003 – Bollywood Awards "Award for Lifetime Achievement" – Lifetime of Glamour.Lakshman, Ganesh S. [http://www.newsindia-times.com/nit/2003/05/16/bollywood37-top.html Bollywood Awards 2003 at Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, NJ]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061123211914/http://www.newsindia-times.com/nit/2003/05/16/bollywood37-top.html|date=23 November 2006}}
2006 – "Outstanding Contribution to the Motion Picture Industry of India Awards" at the Bollywood Movie Awards.{{cite web |title=Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman To Be Honored at the Bollywood Awards |url=http://www.paktribune.com/news/print.php?id=142384 |access-date=29 November 2018 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305073529/http://www.paktribune.com/news/print.php?id=142384 |url-status=dead}}"[https://web.archive.org/web/20081210145002/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=1e07411a-9bec-4eab-94b9-b68f9a5cb05a&ParentID=fa6f3aa4-fa24-4d99-89f2-19fe3e91c043&&Headline=iKaka%2Fi%2C+Zeenat+Aman+to+be+honoured Rajesh Khanna, Zeenat Aman to be honoured]". Press Trust of India
2008 – Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement.{{cite news|url=https://www.zeecineawards.com/timeline/2008/winners/ |title=The 11th Zee Cine Awards 2008 Viewers Choice Awards Nominees & Winners |work=Zee Cine Awards |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517031621/https://www.zeecineawards.com/timeline/2008/winners/ |archive-date=17 May 2020 |agency=Zee Entertainment Enterprises}}
2010 – "Outstanding Contribution to Indian cinema" at the 11th IIFA Awards.{{Cite news|title=IIFA Awards 2010 Winners: Complete list of winners|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/iffa-awards-winners/2010/117|access-date=2020-11-26|website=Times of India}}
2016 – "Timeless Glamour & Style Icon" at the Filmfare Glamour & Style Awards.{{Cite web |title=Winners of the Absolut Elyx Glamour And Style Awards 2016 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/winners-of-the-absolut-elyx-glamour-and-style-awards-2016_-16122.html |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=filmfare.com |language=en}}