Zeenat Aman

Zeenat Aman (born 19 November 1951) is an Indian actress and model who mainly works in Hindi films. One of the leading actresses of Hindi cinema, she established herself as one of the highest paid actresses of her time. Widely regarded as a pioneer of modern glamour in Bollywood, Aman often portrayed stylish, rebellious and cosmopolitan women in a range of films and is cited in the media as a fashion icon and sex symbol. She played a significant role in redefining the portrayal of women in Indian cinema through leading characters who embodied modernity, individuality and self-assurance. She has received numerous accolades, including a Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.

Aman first received recognition after winning the Femina Miss India pageant and the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant in 1970. Aman began acting that same year, appearing in the films The Evil Within (1970), Hungama (1971) and Hulchul (1971). Her breakthrough came with Dev Anand's drama film Haré Rama Haré Krishna (1971), which won her the Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award for Best Actress and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. She continued to rise to prominence in the 1970s, playing leading roles in films such as Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), Ajanabee (1974), Warrant (1975), Chori Mera Kaam (1975), Dharam Veer (1977), Chhailla Babu (1977), Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977), and The Great Gambler (1979). She also starred as Roma in the action film Don (1978), and was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for the controversial film Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978). Also in 1978, she married Sanjay Khan; after suffering a highly publicised domestic violence incident from Khan, the marriage was annulled in 1979.