Veteran actress Zeenat Aman took to Instagram to express her frustration over the disrespectful proposals she receives from multimillion-dollar brands. In a candid post, Zeenat did not hold back as she called out brands expecting her endorsement for a meager fee, highlighting a particular case where another actress was paid significantly more for similar work.
Sharing a series of photos from a recent photoshoot, Zeenat began her post with, “Thank you, but no thank you. I can’t tell you my precise worth, but I do know when I’m being undervalued.” She detailed how she is often bombarded with collaboration requests and appearance invitations, some of which are outright disrespectful. “Last minute invitations that the organiser forgot to edit (and which are addressed to another celebrity who must have declined) are mildly insulting. Impolite emails with minimal details and brusque ‘share commercials’ are infuriating. And shady proposals to post stories or comments without the paid partnership tag are distasteful,” she wrote.
However, the actress was particularly outraged by the audacity of luxury brands that expect her endorsement for a paltry fee. She described her shock at the “impudence of multimillion-dollar brands that expect my endorsement in exchange for ‘brand association’ and a ludicrously low fee.” Zeenat pointed out that these brands pay hefty sums to their ambassadors, mentioning one who reprised a role she originally played. While she did not name the actress, netizens on Reddit speculated that she was referring to Priyanka Chopra, who played a role in the "Don" series originally portrayed by Zeenat and is a brand ambassador for the luxury brand Bulgari.
Zeenat concluded her post by asserting her self-worth and professionalism. “I am over 70 years old, and I have held my own in this industry for over half a century. I work with what I know to be an unusual professionalism. I have a social media audience that is not only entirely organic, but so beautifully engaged. I have immense respect for myself, and for you who follow my page. I am certainly worth more than the price of a designer handbag or high-heel shoe,” she stated.
On the work front, Zeenat Aman will next be seen in the film "Bun Tikki," alongside Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol. The team recently celebrated the wrap-up of the film, marking another exciting project for the seasoned actress.
The post has sparked a larger conversation about the value of veteran artists in the entertainment industry. Many fans and fellow actors have come forward in support of Zeenat, praising her for standing up for herself and setting an example for others. The disparity in pay between male and female actors, as well as between veteran and younger actors, has been a longstanding issue in the industry. Zeenat's candid post brings this issue back into the spotlight, urging brands and industry professionals to acknowledge and respect the contributions of seasoned artists.
The discussion on Reddit, where users speculated that the other actress mentioned by Zeenat might be Priyanka Chopra, adds another layer to the conversation. Priyanka, who has successfully transitioned from Bollywood to Hollywood, is known for her influential presence in the entertainment world. The comparison between the offers made to Zeenat and Priyanka highlights the broader issues of ageism and the undervaluation of veteran talent in the industry.
Fans on social media have expressed their outrage at the unfair treatment of Zeenat Aman. Many have called for brands to reassess their approach to working with veteran artists, emphasizing that experience and legacy should be valued just as much, if not more, than current popularity. Zeenat's post has resonated with many who feel that the industry often overlooks the contributions of older actors, who have paved the way for the current generation of stars.
In her illustrious career spanning over five decades, Zeenat Aman has been a trailblazer in the Indian film industry. Known for her iconic roles and trendsetting style, she has left an indelible mark on Bollywood. Her decision to speak out against the disrespectful offers she has received shows her unwavering commitment to maintaining her dignity and self-respect. It also serves as a powerful reminder that respect and fair treatment should be the norm, regardless of an actor's age or the length of their career.
As the industry continues to evolve, the voices of veteran actors like Zeenat Aman are crucial in shaping a more inclusive and respectful environment. Her stand against unfair treatment sets a precedent for others to follow, ensuring that the contributions of all artists are valued and respected. In a world where new talent is constantly emerging, it is essential to remember and honor the legacy of those who have come before, and who continue to inspire future generations with their work and integrity.
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