Zeenat Aman Reflects on Patriarchy, Women’s Freedom and Changing Times
Veteran actress revisits a 1980 film clip to discuss shifting social norms, women’s autonomy and the persistence of moral policing.
Mumbai, Dec 05 : Zeenat Aman, known for her bold screen presence and unapologetic voice, has once again sparked a timely social discussion. The actress shared a memorable scene from her 1980 hit film Dostana, using it to reflect on patriarchy, women’s choices and how societal perceptions have changed and in some ways, not changed enough.
The clip features Zeenat’s character, Sheetal, confidently walking along a beach before being harassed by a man. Instead of backing down, she drags the offender to the police station a strikingly assertive move for the era. But what follows reveals the mindset of that time: Inspector Vijay, played by Amitabh Bachchan, questions her choice of clothing and remarks that women “used to dress more modestly.”
Seen today, the scene lands very differently. Sheetal challenges the inspector, demanding to know why her attire should matter a question modern audiences instantly connect with.
Sharing the video on social media, Zeenat Aman wrote that the scene is “ripe for social commentary,” acknowledging how films of the 70s and 80s reflected rigid moral expectations. She noted that the “moralities of the time felt absolute and unyielding,” but celebrated the evolution in how women’s autonomy is understood today.
Zeenat pointed out the stark contrast between past and present reactions. While earlier audiences may have viewed the inspector as a “mighty upstanding gentleman,” younger viewers today roll their eyes. One young woman, she said, watched the clip and remarked, “What a loser.”
The actress also offered a nuanced personal reflection. She firmly supports every individual’s right to wear what they choose, but admitted that real-world conditions safety, context, social environments still influence these decisions. “Perhaps that’s archaic,” she wrote, “but patience is key. Every hair on my head has turned silver, and the new social codes are as confusing to me as the old ones were stifling.”
Inviting discussion, Zeenat ended her post by asking followers to share their perspectives: “Especially if you’re better informed than me!”
