Zeenat Aman recalls shooting Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein song with Rajesh Khanna: Drank cutting chai to stay warm, that wet outfit was a pain to maneuver

Zeenat and Rajesh Khanna

Veteran actor Zeenat Aman, known for her remarkable contributions to Hindi cinema, took to social media on Tuesday to share fond memories from her time working with the late superstar Rajesh Khanna. Reflecting on the iconic 1974 film Ajnabee, Zeenat specifically recalled the filming of the popular track Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein, which has since become one of the most beloved monsoon romance songs in Bollywood history.

The actress took a moment to reminisce about the challenges she faced while shooting the song, particularly with her iconic yet difficult-to-manage wet outfit.

Zeenat began her post by sharing her thoughts about working with Rajesh Khanna for the first time.

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At the time, Rajesh Khanna was at the height of his fame, with his stardom creating a frenzy among fans, especially women.

"Rajesh Khanna was the phenomenon of the time," Aman wrote. "He had the women of the country churned into a frenzy, was riding high on a wave of hits... and I was going to shoot my first film with him!" Despite the immense pressure of sharing the screen with such a legendary figure, Zeenat was determined not to let her nerves show. "His colossal stardom was intimidating. But I was absolutely determined not to show it. So I did what any good convent girl would do. I put my nose in my script and I swotted," she added, demonstrating her commitment to the craft.

She then recounted her first day on set with Rajesh Khanna, where the two nailed their scene in a single take. "On the first day of shoot he and I nailed our scene in one take! I maintained my composure until I was back in my green room. Then I burst into a little jig to celebrate my own audacity," she shared with a sense of pride and joy. This candid admission showcases her youthful enthusiasm and the sense of achievement she felt at the time.

However, it was the shoot for Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein that truly stood out in her mind, particularly because of the physical challenges that came with performing in a wet outfit. "It's a sensual, sweet number, full of the innuendo-laced lyrics that define a certain genre of song we produce in Hindi cinema," Zeenat reflected. The song's allure lies not just in its melody, but in the visual representation of romance during the monsoon, symbolized by Aman’s drenched attire. But behind the glamour of the rain-drenched visuals, the actress admitted that it was far from easy. "That wet outfit – such an icon of monsoon romance – was a pain to manoeuvre in," she revealed, providing a glimpse into the struggles she faced while shooting the scene.

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The entire process of filming in the rain was also more complicated than it appeared. The sprinklers used to simulate the rain effect were not consistent, causing a disruption throughout the day. "The sprinklers that created the rain rattled on and off all day," Zeenat recalled, highlighting how challenging it was to maintain the desired aesthetic while dealing with unpredictable elements. To keep herself warm between takes, Aman found solace in drinking "cup after cup of cutting chai" — a small yet comforting indulgence that helped her cope with the cold and exhaustion. "I remember drinking cup after cup of cutting chai to stay warm between takes, while studying the choreographer and his assistant closely as they led us through the steps," she added, emphasizing the meticulousness involved in executing the choreography.

Despite the discomforts, Zeenat man recognized that the song has become a timeless classic. "I’d say this one is some sort of classic," she wrote. "A rain-drenched love song, that can resonate with those in a courtship phase even today." Reflecting on its enduring popularity, she invited her followers to share their own favorite monsoon songs. "Which is your favourite monsoon song? There’s such an array to choose from!" she asked, celebrating the romantic genre that remains a staple of Bollywood cinema.

Zeenat Aman was one of the reigning stars of the 70s and 80s, known for her bold roles and timeless charm. Even today, she continues to captivate audiences, with upcoming projects such as Manish Malhotra’s production Bun Tikki and Netflix’s The Royals in the pipeline. Her reflection on Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein not only offers a glimpse into her dedication as an actress but also highlights the enduring legacy of the songs that continue to define Indian cinema.