Zeenat Aman Reaffirms Progressive Views on Live-In Relationships
Veteran Bollywood actress Zeenat Aman has once again voiced her perspective on live-in relationships, months after her initial comments sparked widespread debate. In a recent social media post, she shared a video clip from a 1999 interview with Simi Garewal, revealing that her views have remained consistent over the decades.
Consistent Stance Over Time
Expanding on her thoughts, Zeenat Aman wrote, "Remember I posted my opinion on live-in relationships some months ago? It caused quite a kerfuffle among some of my contemporaries and was accompanied by the usual accusations of insulting traditional values. Well, here's a blast from the past, my younger self expressing the exact same view." She clarified that her intention is not to provoke controversy but to share insights gained from personal experience.
Core Philosophy on Relationships
Elaborating on her philosophy, Zeenat explained, "The core of my view is that it's more important for a relationship to be held sacred by the two people in it than to be 'sanctified' for society through marriage. The idea that you cannot have a fulfilling relationship without state or religious approval is, quite frankly, as ridiculous as the belief that marriage can magically fix an unhappy relationship."
Observations on Changing Social Norms
She acknowledged societal pressures while noting a positive shift among younger generations. "I understand societal expectations. But I also see that more and more young people today are entering relationships as equals, not to build wealth, form alliances, seek protection, please parents, or have children, but to experience the beauty of human connection. The bedrock of a healthy relationship is not its governmental status; it is the respect and love two people share, regardless of paperwork."
Reflections on the 1999 Interview
Regarding the resurfaced interview, Zeenat credited Simi Garewal for fostering honest dialogue on sensitive topics. "This clip is from an overwhelming interview I did in 1999. I was not expecting to be questioned about such personal matters, but I went with the flow. To be frank, it still makes me uncomfortable to watch. Yet, enough time has passed for me to realise how important such conversations are. By eliciting raw and unfiltered responses from me, Simi made these subjects less taboo for others to discuss."
Personal Experiences and Insights
In the video, Zeenat speaks candidly about her challenging marriages and decision not to remarry. "You can have a relationship without being married. I never want to get married again," she states. When questioned about potential insecurities in such arrangements, she responds confidently, "I don't think so."
Reflecting on life's impermanence, she shares, "With my mother's passing and Mazhar's passing, he was just 42 when he died, what is permanent in life? Nothing. Why should we assume any relationship is permanent? Even your children are not yours; they grow up and grow away."
Previous Controversy and Reactions
In April 2024, Zeenat revealed that she advised her sons to consider live-in relationships before marriage, drawing sharp criticism from fellow actors Mukesh Khanna, Mumtaz, and Saira Banu, who described her perspective as "unacceptable."
Background on Personal Life
Zeenat Aman was married to Mazhar Khan, who passed away due to kidney failure. She has previously discussed the emotional strain she endured during their marriage. Recalling that period in her conversation with Simi Garewal, she admitted, "In the first year of marriage, I realised I had made a mistake. But since I had taken the decision against everybody's wishes, I felt I had to make it work. I am not saying it was the best thing for him either. It was a difficult time from the very first year because I was pregnant with my first child and Mazhar was not there. At that time, there was a major article in Stardust about the woman he was seeing. That was the reality."
This renewed discussion highlights ongoing debates about traditional versus modern relationship norms in Indian society, with Zeenat Aman continuing to advocate for personal choice and emotional authenticity over societal approval.
