Never too old for love

Zeenat Aman talks about her relationship with a young entrepreneur, and why no women should let her age get in the way of romance..

In 1973, when she strummed a guitar and puckered her glossy lips to serenade her crush in Yaadon Ki  Baraat, Zeenat Aman rewrote the rules of the game. Exactly 40 years later, the 61-year-old who has survived an abusive relationship, a physical attack (by Sanjay khan), a disfigurement (she lost vision in her right eye), and a bitter divorce(from Mazhar Khan) is doing things exactly the way she wants to. Zeenat has found love with a businessman, who according to reports, is nearly thirty Years her junior. Cocking a snook at the world that may sit in judgement over her unconventional choice of a partner, the glamour icon has decided to give love and marriage yet another shot.

            In a conversation that happened in parts over 24 hours, the actress spoke about her relationship with the entrepreneur whose identity she has been fiercely guarding to the extent of not giving out his.” I am a celebrity. Though i am a happy that my fans are still interested in my life, it would be irresponsible on my part to thrust him into limelight now,” she says, adding “ the relationship is not at that stage yet....when it does(come to marriage) i will let the world know.”

            In a recent interview Zeenat had told the newspaper that she had found love and she was looking to get married shortly. But the attendant publicity has since forced her into discretion. What we do know so far is that Zeenat met the latest man in her life at a film awards event in Pune in May, 2011. “ we met, we fell in love and we dated like normal people do,”  she says before going on to add: Then i spoke about marriage. That’s about it. “Falling in love with a man many years her junior did not seem extraordinary, says Zeenat. “ I think all women should do the same( give romance another shot). Age should not come in the way of love,’ she says with conviction.

            One of the biggest ironies of Zeenat’s life has been the tragic disconnect between her professional image and her personal life. At one time relentlessly by the like of Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor, a well-known married industrialist who shall remain unnamed , cricketer Imran khan among others, she turned the on-screen idea of chaste film heroine on its head, portraying flamboyant and unabashedly sexy characters. She excelled as the modern woman in control of her life and her choices. But her life away from the camera has been a tale of heartbreakers and abusive relationships,  a reason why she wants to tread cautiously with her young man.

           It’s not the decision that affects the only two of us.” She explains. “But both of our families as well.” The two of them, she said, had been in past relationships from which they have learnt several lessons. In the late 80’s her marriage with Mazhar khan hurled towards a divorce after she was physically battered. She bravely spoke about it at press conference in Mumbai where she was supported by her friend and colleague Dimple Kapadia. But after Mazhar’s death Zeenat turned into a near-recluse focussing all her energies into bringing up her two sons Azaan and Zahan, now in their twenties. Through these years her friend Zaheer Aslam, also several years younger than her, was her constant companion. “But the chapter is over, “ she says refusing to dwell on details.

             These days relationships need to be tended with care,’ she says talking about her present one.“ I cannot say nor do anything to jeopardise what i have. There are way too many loose ends to take care of.”

Apparently her boy friend’s conservative family has not taken well to their relationship. Reports suggests he ended his previous relationship bitterly. But the actress says there are others, perhaps graver concerns. “I am a mother first and I want my children to settle completely with my decisions before I start talking about it.” She says denying reports that she has moved in with him insisting that she continues to live in her Juhu apartment with her sons.” The decision to marry is every woman’s entitlement, irrespective of her age.” She says

             That part of me that thinks independently, wants to settle down with the one I love. And this decision has made my close ones very happy. I have the support I need when I eventually take the plunge again. Until then I hope the world gives me privacy I need to make this work