Zeenat Aman Revisits 80s Film Harassment Scene

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has prompted a significant discussion on historical and contemporary attitudes towards women in Indian cinema. She recently shared a scene from the 1980 film Dostana, where her character boldly confronts a beachside harasser and takes him to the police. This act directly challenged the patriarchal mindset prevalent during that era.

Aman reflected on how such portrayals in films from her active years were influenced by prevailing social norms, acknowledging their lasting impact on gender role perceptions. She noted that while some regressive mindsets still persist, there has been demonstrable progress in how these issues are addressed in current narratives and society.

The shared scene also featured Inspector Vijay, played by Amitabh Bachchan, questioning Aman's character about her attire. Her assertive response, asserting her right to choose her clothing, underscored the conflict between tradition and personal autonomy. Aman observed a stark contrast in audience reactions then versus now, highlighting a societal evolution in understanding and empathy.