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.”

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.”