'Moral Policing A Steady Companion': Zeenat Aman Opens Up On Portraying Sex Worker

Zeenat Aman recently took to social media to reminisce about her memorable role in Shammi Kapoor's directorial debut, Manoranjan. Sharing insights into her character and the filming experience, Aman's post sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans and fellow celebrities.

In her post, Aman reflected on portraying the character of Nisha, a sex worker, in the 1974 film. Describing Nisha as "sexually liberated, financially independent, and fully capable," Aman emphasised the character's strength and unapologetic nature.

They’re Always Around: Zeenat Aman Reflects On Moral Policing 

She shared a picture of herself from the film on Instagram, dressed in a striking red dress, and a hand-painted poster of Manoranjan. She wrote, "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."

Recalling the filming, Aman fondly described it as a joyful experience marked by the directorial debut of Shammi Kapoor, the music direction by RD Burman, and the presence of acclaimed actor Sanjeev Kumar as the male lead. Aman highlighted the unconventional themes and bold portrayal of Nisha, emphasising the character's refusal to conform to societal norms.

Despite facing criticism from the "moral police," Aman expressed pride in her performance and the film's bold experimentation with themes of liberation and freedom. She 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!"

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A post shared by Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman)

Aman's post garnered reactions from fellow celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra and Archana Puran Singh, who praised her for breaking barriers and leaving a lasting impact with her performance. Chopra commended, "Moral police is still around and will continue to be around, it seems! But you are beyond", while Puran Singh shared her personal memories of watching Manoranjan and its influence on her aspirations as an actor.  She wrote, "Of course I remember watching this absolutely amazing film in the small town theatres of Dehradun ! And what an experience it was. Even though I was very young, I was enthralled by the world that was created and my parents thought nothing of sending a young girl to watch a film on this subject (I wonder if it had an A certificate and that somehow I was still allowed!🤔 "