Priyanka Chopra resonates with Zeenat Aman’s post about moral policing: “It is still around and will continue to be around it seems”

Priyanka Chopra commented, acknowledging the persistence of "moral policing" even today.

June 10, 2024 - 3:56 PM IST

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman recently shared a glimpse into her past on her Instagram, taking her followers on a trip down memory lane to the sets of her 1974 film Manoranjan. The post offered a look at a bygone era of Bollywood and the challenges faced by a progressive actress like Zeenat.

Priyanka Chopra resonates with Zeenat Aman’s post about moral policing: “It is still around and will continue to be around it seems”

The highlight of the post was a series of photos showcasing Zeenat in stunning costumes from Manoranjan. She openly described them as "flirtatious and sexy," reflecting the bold and unconventional character she portrayed – Nisha, a sex worker with a strong sense of self.

Zeenat's caption revealed the struggles she faced due to the film's subject matter. “If I’ve had a steady companion through my career, it’s been the moral police," she wrote. “And, my goodness, did they have a field day with this one! 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.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman)

Despite the challenges, Zeenat highlighted the positive aspects of the film. She mentioned it was the directorial debut of the legendary Shammi Kapoor, who she described as a "director's actor" who "coaxed out" one of her best performances. The music by R.D. Burman and the presence of actors like Sanjeev Kumar further enriched the project.

Zeenat provided a delightful insider's view into the film's production. She revealed that the entire movie was shot in Mumbai studios and expressed her fondness for the "hoot" that was the music and costumes. She added, “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.”

She further wrote, “The music and costumes were also a hoot. In Aaya hoon main tujhko 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.”

Zeenat added, “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 post resonated deeply with fans and fellow celebrities. Priyanka Chopra commented, acknowledging the persistence of "moral policing" even today. "Moral police is still around and will continue to be around it seems! But you are beyond (heart eyes emoji),” she wrote.

Meanwhile, Zeenat Aman will make her comeback with Bun Tikki which also stars Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol.