Iconic Bollywood actress Zeenat Aman, known for her bold on-screen presence and trailblazing career, recently opened up about the difficult years she spent in her marriage to actor Mazhar Khan. Her revelations offer a glimpse into her personal struggles and the strength she summoned to endure a challenging relationship that lasted over a decade.
At the height of her career, Zeenat Aman made the life-altering decision to marry Mazhar Khan in 1985, choosing to step away from the limelight. However, soon after the marriage, she realized things were not as she had hoped. “The first year after marriage, I realized I had made a mistake,” she admitted, explaining how early in her marriage she discovered Mazhar’s infidelity. This revelation came as a shock to her, especially since she was pregnant at the time. “There was a big article in Stardust magazine at that time about the woman that Mazhar was seeing. It’s reality,” she said, recalling the public exposure of her private pain.
Despite this betrayal, Zeenat chose to stay in the marriage, driven by her desire to make it work for the sake of her child. “I decided to live by it and make it work,” she revealed, even though the decision was against everyone’s advice. Her maternal instincts took precedence, leading her to hope that things might change with time. But the reality was far more complicated than she had anticipated. “As soon as my son was born, I wanted out and we discussed it, but I thought my child deserved a chance, and I stayed,” she shared, emphasizing how her role as a mother influenced her choices.
As time went on, Mazhar’s health deteriorated, adding another layer of responsibility to Zeenat’s already strained life. She became his primary caregiver, dedicating herself to looking after him through his illness. “I tried to do everything under the sun,” she recalled. “We were in and out of every hospital in Mumbai.” Zeenat learned to administer injections and handle medical care, taking on roles that few would expect from a glamorous actress. “I was living with a bag outside his body for 18 months,” she explained, underscoring the intensity of her commitment.
Yet, even as she gave her all to support him, the emotional toll on her was immense. “It had taken a toll on me. I was very close to a nervous breakdown,” she admitted. The constant pressure and lack of emotional support left her feeling isolated, with little relief in sight. “You give and give until you completely run out, and there is nothing to give,” she remarked, capturing the exhaustion she felt from years of one-sided dedication.
Eventually, Mazhar’s health issues stabilized, but a new problem emerged. He developed an addiction to prescription medication, which led to serious kidney issues. Zeenat found herself helpless as she watched him harm himself, despite her pleas for him to stop. “He was taking seven painkillers a day,” she said, adding that she and their children tried to convince him to change his ways, to no avail.
Realizing she could no longer sacrifice her well-being, Zeenat ultimately decided to leave the marriage. “I have no guilt because I am sure 99 percent of women wouldn’t have lasted as long and as honestly as I did,” she stated, acknowledging the difficulty of her choice. After years of enduring betrayal, emotional neglect, and the burden of caregiving, she finally prioritized her own mental and emotional health.
Today, Zeenat Aman is celebrated not just for her legendary career but also for her resilience. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to endure, forgive, and ultimately choose oneself. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “You give and give until you completely run out.” Her words resonate as a testament to her inner strength and the courage it took to rebuild her life.
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