When Zeenat Aman was denied to pay respects at husband Mazhar's funeral by his family: 'They wanted to punish me for...'

Zeenat Aman and Mazhar Khan

Zeenat Aman is legendary actress who became a national sensation after her role in Hare Ram Hare Krishna. Aman became one of the most sought-after actresses of her time, known for her glamorous persona and her bold, unconventional roles. She became a symbol of the changing times in Bollywood, which saw the emergence of more modern, independent female characters, departing from the traditional "sati-savitri" portrayals. Despite her successful career, Zeenat Aman's personal life was marked by numerous challenges. In a candid interview with Simi Garewal on her show, Zeenat shared her experience of her marriage to Mazhar Khan and the emotional toll it took when their relationship ended after 12 years of togetherness.

In a past interview with Simi Garewal on the show Rendezvous With Simi Garewal, Zeenat Aman opened up about the struggles in her marriage, revealing how things took a turn when her husband, Mazhar Khan, became addicted to drugs and painkillers. This led to a decline in his health, which ultimately affected their relationship. “What had happened with Mazhar is that he had stopped helping himself. Whatever he was doing, he was inflicting further damage on himself and I couldn’t stay there and watch him do that,” the Don actress stated.

Zeenat with Mazhar and their elder son.

She further shared that Mazhar's health eventually deteriorated when his kidneys failed, but this happened after she had decided to leave him. She explained that it took her a long time to make that decision because she still cared deeply for him. Having fought many of his battles for him, it was incredibly difficult for her to walk away, even though it was a matter of self-preservation.

Zeenat opened up about the severe consequences she faced after leaving her marriage, revealing that she was punished for taking a stand. She shared that her children were turned against her, and Mazhar’s mother and sister prevented them from inheriting any of his property after his death. Additionally, she disclosed that she was not allowed to pay her final respects to Mazhar, as his mother and sister denied her that opportunity after his passing. “They wanted to punish me for leaving Mazhar," she added.

Zeenat with her sons Zahaan Khan and Azaan Khan.

In 1985, Zeenat and Mazhar tied the knot in a simple, intimate ceremony in Singapore after eloping. The couple was blessed with two sons, Zahaan Khan and Azaan Khan. She was previously married to Sanjay Khan briefly for a year from 1978-1979.

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Zeenat Aman was one of the pioneers in portraying a sense of empowerment on screen, with notable roles in films like Zameen Par (1975), Rakhwala (1971), and Don (1978), which highlighted her versatility. Known for her charm, elegance, and commanding presence, she became a trailblazer in the industry. Her illustrious career includes iconic performances in films such as Qurbani (1980), Lawaaris (1976), Rakhwala (1971), and Dharmatma (1975).