Bollywood’s legendary actress Zeenat Aman recently opened up about an iconic moment from her career, reminiscing about the classic song Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko from Yaadon Ki Baaraat. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the actress reflected on the song’s legacy, her look in the sequence, and an unexpected wardrobe battle behind the scenes.
“The clinking of the wine glasses, the sensuous lyrics, the ivory culottes, and black choker… Chura Liya inadvertently became something of my theme song. Any event I’ve ever attended anywhere in the world has leaned on it for a gimmick or two,” she wrote, expressing how the song has followed her throughout her career.
Directed by Nasir Hussain, Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) became a cult classic, and Chura Liya remains one of the most cherished songs in Bollywood history. However, what many don’t know is that Zeenat had to fight for her iconic white outfit that became synonymous with the song.
“Those of you who actually saw the film may have noticed that in the scene preceding the song, I’m wearing a tight pink salwar kameez before magically appearing in the white number that set such a trend. I’m quite happy to take credit for that outfit change because I had to fight Nasir Saab for it!” she revealed.
According to Zeenat, the director originally envisioned her in a more traditional look, one that aligned with the fashion of previous Bollywood heroines.
“He had wanted to present me in the likes of the heroines of the 60s, whose churidar-kurta look with winged eyeliner and bouffant had captivated fashionistas at the time,” she recalled.
“I personally felt gawky in the original outfit and was keen on wearing something more true to my own style. Fortunately, my director was agreeable, and so it was that the ivory culottes and centre parting were allowed,” she shared.
Reflecting on the song’s impact, Zeenat wrote, “Once the film released, the song took on a life of its own, and I think I can safely say it’s cemented a place on the list of most loved Hindi film songs of all time.”
She credited the film’s extraordinary music team, calling the track’s popularity “no surprise, though. After all, the music director of the film was the great R.D. Burman, Chura Liya was written by lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri, and sung by none other than Asha Bhosle and Mohammad Rafi. I believe Asha ji herself chose it as one of her favourites!”
Concluding her nostalgic post, Zeenat invited fans to share their own memories of the song: “Do you have a memory associated with this song or film? I’d love if you would share it in the comments.”
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