Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has long been known not just for her iconic presence on screen but also for her fearless honesty off it. Over the years, she has consistently chosen to speak her mind, even when her views challenge societal norms. Recently, she once again stirred conversation by sharing a throwback clip from her 1999 appearance on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, hosted by Simi Garewal. Alongside the video, Zeenat reflected on how her opinions about relationships — particularly live-in partnerships — have remained unchanged over the decades, despite facing criticism from some quarters.
A few months ago, the actress had expressed her thoughts on live-in relationships, which sparked a wave of debate. Some critics accused her of undermining traditional values, but Zeenat clarified that her perspective is not new. The resurfaced interview, she explained, proves that she has consistently believed in the importance of emotional connection over societal validation.
In her caption, Zeenat made it clear that her intention was not to provoke controversy but to share the wisdom she has gained through personal experience. She emphasised that the essence of a relationship lies in the bond shared by two individuals, not in its formal recognition by society or law. For her, the idea that happiness depends solely on marriage is unrealistic. Just as a relationship cannot be validated purely by legal status, marriage alone cannot repair an unhappy partnership.
Drawing from her own life journey, Zeenat highlighted how deeply personal experiences shaped her outlook. She spoke about the profound loss she faced at a young age — losing both her mother and her husband, Mazhar Khan, by the time she was 42. These experiences, she shared, taught her the impermanence of life’s certainties. Even the most cherished relationships can change with time, and children eventually grow up to lead independent lives.
The actress also spoke about how she values the evolving nature of modern relationships. She acknowledged that while societal expectations remain strong, many younger couples today are choosing partnerships built on equality and mutual respect. For Zeenat, the true strength of a relationship lies not in legal documents but in the love, understanding, and respect shared between partners.
She expressed that if her sons ever choose to marry, she would celebrate their decision wholeheartedly. However, what matters more to her is that they find meaningful and equal companionship — whether or not it leads to marriage. In her view, a partnership is most authentic when two individuals choose to be together each day out of love, rather than obligation.
Reflecting on the throwback interview, Zeenat admitted she had not anticipated such deeply personal questions at the time. Even now, revisiting the conversation makes her slightly uncomfortable. Yet, she recognises the importance of open dialogue in breaking societal taboos. She credited Simi Garewal for creating a platform where sensitive topics could be discussed with honesty, paving the way for greater acceptance of diverse perspectives.
Ultimately, Zeenat Aman’s reflections serve as a reminder that relationships are deeply personal journeys. For her, their meaning lies not in social approval but in the daily choice to nurture love and companionship.
