Zeenat Aman celebrates Shammi Kapoor’s bold directorial debut Manoranjan in a nostalgic reel: There is something so delightful about its lack of priggishness

Zeenat Aman celebrates Shammi Kapoor’s bold directorial debut Manoranjan in a nostalgic reel: There is something so delightful about its lack of priggishness

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman’s recent Instagram reel has stirred a wave of nostalgia and appreciation for one of Hindi cinema’s most daring films — Manoranjan (1974). Sharing her reflections with elegance and honesty, Zeenat takes us behind the scenes of a film that broke conventions and remains relevant even today.

In her caption, she proudly states:
“The opinion on most ‘remakes’ seems to be scathing, but I am very proud to have starred in Shammi Kapoor’s directorial debut Manoranjan, a remake of the American romantic comedy Irma La Douce.”

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She goes on to reminisce about the early 1970s, when she lived in South Bombay with her mother. It was during this time that producer F.C. Mehra, a family friend and neighbor, introduced her to Shammi Kapoor. This meeting led to her casting in Manoranjan, marking a significant turning point in her career.

“It was he who connected me with Shammi ji, for which I am ever grateful… I had the professional joy of working with an immensely talented, musical and affable director.”

Zeenat fondly remembers Shammi Kapoor not just for his directorial brilliance, but also for his infectious charm on set. She shares a lighthearted moment from the filming days:
“I recall many a lunch during which he teased my co-star Sanjeev Kumar about his rumoured romantic trysts to the delight of everyone at the table.”

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Reflecting on her character, Nisha, Zeenat reveals how playing a bold, unapologetic sex worker was a personal statement during her journey of discovering feminism.
“I was keen to sink my teeth into a character who defied societal expectations… In my books, Nisha is a character right up there with Rupa and Janice. Iconic.”

She describes Manoranjan as a “mad caper” and celebrates its uninhibited spirit:
“There is something so delightful about its lack of priggishness.”

She urges her followers to revisit the film’s classic track “Dulhan Maike Chali” — highlighting its lyrical brilliance by Anand Bakshi, the magical vocals of the three Mangeshkar sisters, and the legendary composition by R.D. Burman.

Zeenat Aman’s heartfelt post is more than a stroll down memory lane — it’s a tribute to brave cinema, artistic freedom, and the directors and actors who dared to challenge stereotypes. Through her words, she not only celebrates a film but reminds us of a time when storytelling pushed boundaries and left a legacy worth remembering.