Zeenat Aman’s Instagram account has become a treasure trove of memories, reflections, and behind-the-scenes stories from her remarkable career. From her travel journals to film anecdotes and thoughtful life insights, the veteran actress uses her platform to share stories that continue to fascinate fans.
Last year, the actress revisited one of the most defining chapters of her career — the story of how the late actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor cast her as Rupa in his acclaimed 1978 musical romance Satyam Shivam Sundaram. Calling it “a defining anecdote,” Zeenat Aman wrote:
“In December, we will mark the 100th birth anniversary of the extraordinary Raj Kapoor. I have rehashed the story of how he came to cast me as Rupa in Satyam Shivam Sundaram countless times, but here it is for Instagram.”
How the Story Began
The actress narrated that it all started in 1981, during the shooting of the Raj Kapoor–led drama Vakil Babu. Raj Kapoor was playing the title role, while Zeenat Aman and Shashi Kapoor appeared as romantic leads.
She recalled, “In between takes, while the technicians changed sets and rigged lights, the cast often had time to kill. Rajji had a radical approach to his art, and he was brimming with enthusiasm for a film he wanted to make. For days, he regaled us with the idea of a story about a man who falls in love with a woman’s voice but struggles to reconcile her appearance.”
Raj Kapoor’s Passion — And His Silence
Zeenat Aman said that despite Raj Kapoor’s constant excitement about the project, “he never once hinted” that she could be a part of it.
“I was already a star in my own right, and his lack of interest began to chafe. I knew that my ‘modern image’, complete with mini skirts and boots, was the culprit. So I decided to take matters into my own hands,” she shared.
Zeenat Aman’s Bold Transformation Into ‘Rupa’
In a detailed recollection, the actress described how she crafted her own version of Rupa to show Raj Kapoor she could fit the role.
She explained:
“One evening, having wrapped up early from the shoot, I spent an extra 30 minutes in my dressing room making myself up in my own interpretation of Rupa. I wore a ghagra choli, braided my hair with a parandi, and even stuck tissue paper to my face with glue to create scars.”
Raj Kapoor often spent his free time at a space called The Cottage on the R.K. Studio premises — a place where he held informal meetings and gatherings. Zeenat Aman went straight there.
“When I reached The Cottage, I was greeted by John, Rajji’s right-hand man. He looked at me quizzically but followed my request: ‘Saabji ko kaho ki Rupa ayi hai.’”
With that, she signed off her post, promising to continue the story the next day.
Zeenat Aman’s Evergreen Legacy
Zeenat Aman, known for her powerhouse performances and trendsetting screen presence, has appeared in landmark films such as Don, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Dostana, and Qurbani.
She will soon be seen in Faraz Arif Ansari’s Bun Tikki.