Legendary Bollywood actress Zeenat Aman rings in her 74th birthday on November 19, 2025. Though the Bollywood diva keeps her birthday celebration private, this time she joined her friend for a birthday party and grooved to the tunes of her evergreen song 'Dum Maro Dum'.
Amid the celebrations, we go back to her extraordinary legacy she carved in Indian cinema. More than a glamourous star, Zeenat Aman was a cultural disruptor who was way ahead of her time.
View this post on Instagram
Breaking away from the traditional, demure on-screen persona, she fearlessly embraced complex characters. Here are five of her most iconic films that cemented her status as a Bollywood legend.
This was Zeenat Aman's breakthrough-film, directed by Dev Anand. She played the role of Janice, the emotionally damaged, drug-abusing hippie sister, with a startlingly vulnerable and realistic performance. The role was radical for the time in which it was released, offering a glimpse into the counterculture movement. Her portrayal, culminating in the iconic song 'Dum Maro Dum', fetched her the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress and propelled her to overnight stardom, setting her as the face of the modern, internationalised Indian woman.
Don't miss: Zeenat Aman Embraces Being An Aunty In All Its Glory, Slashing Stereotypes One By One
A classic musical by Nasir Hussain, the film is an eternal fable about three separated brothers. Zeenat Aman came across as irresistible youthfulness as Sunita, the lead's love interest. The film remains a perfect blend of action, emotion, and music. The song 'Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko', picturised on Zeenat Aman strumming a guitar, remains one of the most romantic and enduring melodies of Hindi cinema, showcasing her softer, glamourous side.
It was helmed by the legendary Raj Kapoor and is one of the most talked-about films of her career. Zeenat Aman played Rupa, a village girl with a voice that could mesmerise but a face partially disfigured by a burn. The movie dealt with the dichotomy between physical beauty: Satyam Shivam Sundaram means 'Truth, God, Beauty', and spiritual love. Her fearless portrayal, for which she received a Filmfare nomination for Best Actress, challenged conventional notions of a mainstream heroine and made her a symbol of raw sexuality juxtaposed with innocence.
Don't miss: Top 5 Advices By Zeenat Aman On Love And Life For A Shot Of Wisdom
In this super-hit action thriller, Zeenat Aman shone as Roma, a woman fueled by vengeance who infiltrated the underworld to kill the titular criminal. The role was quite different from the routine Bollywood heroine; it had many high-octane action sequences in which she had to perform. Her character was stylised, strong, and independent, creating the template for the 'action heroine' in Indian cinema and giving Hindi film audiences an unforgettable female lead.
A massive commercial success, 'Qurbani' cast Zeenat Aman as Sheela, a sophisticated club dancer and singer embroiled in a complicated love triangle. This film represented probably the height of Zeenat Aman's glamourous stardom. The song 'Aap Jaisa Koi', a disco number, proved to be a sensation, its trendy and striking appearance by Zeenat Aman setting the urban spirit of style for the time. Her character here too was that of an independent career woman who made it without anybody's help, further sealing her image as a revolutionary icon.
Image courtesy: Instagram/IMDb
For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.
Our aim is to provide accurate, safe and expert verified information through our articles and social media handles. The remedies, advice and tips mentioned here are for general information only. Please consult your expert before trying any kind of health, beauty, life hacks or astrology related tips. For any feedback or complaint, contact us at compliant_gro@jagrannewmedia.com.