Indian Cinema’s veteran actress Zeenat Aman had set a bar in her career as she was known for doing several bold characters in movies. Recently, the actress talked about her 1974 film Manoranjan in which she played a sex worker. She shared that her character enjoyed her profession without being hesitant or with moral guilt. Zeenat also stated that Manoranjan defied existing conventions. The actress further said that her character Nisha was a sex worker with dignity, independence and humour. Her post caught the attention of global icon Priyanka Chopra as she commented on her post that Moral police is still around. 

Zeenat Aman took to her Instagram account and captioned, “If I’ve had a steady companion through my career, it’s been the moral police. And, my goodness, did they have a field day with this one! Manoranjan defied existing conventions. It was an adaptation of the fabulous 1963 American comedy ‘Irma Le Douce’, and it featured me in the starring role of Nisha. A sex worker with a sense of dignity, independence and humour.”

She continued, “Filming Manoranjan was a ‘haste-haste, khelte-khelte’ affair. It was Shammi Kapoor’s directorial debut, had RD Burman in the role of music director, and Sanjeev Kumar as the leading man. The producer FC Mehra was a family friend. We shot the film entirely in studios in Mumbai, and it released in 1974. 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.”

Zeenat added, “I’ve always maintained that I am a ‘director’s actor’, and I do believe Shammi ji coaxed out one of my better performances with this film. The music and costumes were also a hoot. In ‘aaya hoon main tujh ko le jaoonga’ we dance upon gigantic musical instruments, ‘chori chori solah singar’ (sung by Asha ji) has a titillating shower sequence, and ‘dulhan maike chali’ is pictured entirely in a police van full of sex workers being taken to the police station and was sung by all three Mangeshkar sisters! If you’re interested, you can watch these on YouTube.”

Check out the post here: 

“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! I wonder if some of my older followers remember this film? I’d love to hear your memories of watching it or any discussion it may have provoked. Enjoy your Monday and have a lovely week, everybody,” she concluded.

Also read: Zeenat Aman Is Cautious Of Culture Of Easy Outrage On Social Media; Says ‘People Say Cruel Things Online’ 

Priyanka Chopra Jonas commented on the post and wrote, “Moral police is still around and wil continue to be around it seems! But you are beyond.”

Anil Kapoor said, “Loved the film the song picturisations and performances .. screening of the film / picture ka pehla trial show was at the iconic R. k studios auditorium with friends and families of the warm , gracious and generous krishna aunty / Mrs raj kapoor.”

Zeenat Aman will be next seen in Faraz Arif Ansari’s Bun Tikki. It also stars Abhay Deol and Shabana Azmi in the lead.