The veteran actress, Zeenat Aman recalled her close friend and iconic actress, Parveen Babi, on her birth anniversary with a heartfelt note and two memorable pictures.
There was a time when the late iconic actress, Parveen Babi was at the peak of her career and was termed as the greatest actress in the history of Indian cinema. From her looks to her acting talent, she was blessed with so many qualities that were so rare, even at a time when Hindi cinema was filled with so many iconic names. One such name was Zeenat Aman, another leading actress of that era, and it was their uncanny resemblance, which often confused people.
On April 4, 2023, Zeenat Aman took to her Instagram handle and posted two pictures of her good friend and late iconic actress, Parveen Babi on her birth anniversary. One of the biggest stars of the 70s and early 80s, Parveen achieved so much in her illustrious career. In her appreciation post for the iconic actress, Zeenat posted a candid picture that speaks volumes about her bond with Parveen, while the second picture is a collage that shows the striking resemblance in the looks of the actresses. Along with the pictures, Zeenat also penned an emotional note in the caption for Parveen, in which she explained how she needs to be remembered for generations to come.
Recommended Read: Hrithik Roshan Carries Girlfriend, Saba Azad's Heels At NMACC Event, Fans Call Him 'True Gentleman'
At the beginning of her heartfelt note, Zeenat Aman talked about Parveen Babi’s fashion quotient and recalled how she and Parveen used to enjoy Western fashion. The actress also termed Parveen as an extremely glamorous and talented actress in her note. Further in her note, Zeenat also opened up about her uncanny resemblance with Parveen and recalled how she was mistaken as Parveen during her visit to Dubai last year. Her note can be read as:
"I’d like to remember and honour Parveen today, on her birthday. Parveen was gorgeous, glamorous and talented. Back in the 70s, we wore our hair in a similar manner and enjoyed Western fashion. Though neither of us saw it, we were told we had an uncanny resemblance. It must have been true, because as recently as last year I was approached in Dubai as “Parveen ma’am"."
Further, in the appreciation note, Zeenat Aman bashed the reports of her rivalry with Parveen Babi. The veteran actress clearly stated that she never had any problem with Parveen. Instead, she stated that she and Parveen weren’t ‘best friends’, but they shared a warm bond with each other. The actress recalled working with Parveen in films, Ashanti and Mahaan. In her words:
"Naturally the media at the time spun tales of competition and rivalry between us, but in reality we were always warm towards each other. Not best friends, but contemporaries, colleagues and well wishers. We worked together on Ashanti and Mahaan."
Don't Miss: Shilpa Shetty And Richard Gere Kissing Controversy: Sessions Court Dismissed A Plea Against Her
In her heartfelt note, Zeenat Aman also talked about Parveen Babi’s mental health and her unfortunate demise. The actress slammed the people, who always remember the late actress for her romantic relationships and affairs. Opening up about the same, Zeenat admitted that everyone had said enough about Parveen in the media in the context of her relationships, but sadly, she is not here to say her side to the world. Throwing more light on Parveen Babi’s mental health, Zeenat admitted that people were insensitive towards her health issues. She penned:
"Parveen’s struggle with mental health illness came at a time when the country was still so insensitive and ignorant on these matters. After her death, I often ruminated on how she was remembered. The tabloids focused on her romantic relationships and “episodes”, but Parveen was much more than who she dated or what she said when she was unwell. I feel she never truly got the chance to say her piece."
At the end of her note, Zeenat Aman opened up about Parveen Babi’s love for reading and recalled how she used to read anything between the shots. Opening up about Parveen Babi's success in her career, Zeenat reminded everyone of the time when the late actress was featured on the cover of TIME magazine. The actress admitted that she was in touch with Parveen for many years, but it was more of an on-and-off kind of bond. However, in the end, Parveen drifted apart from everyone, and it was on January 20, 2005, her body was found in her Mumbai apartment.
So much respect for Zeenat Aman for reminding everyone about the kind of personality Parveen Babi was and her incomparable legacy.
Also Read: Priyanka Chopra's Baby, Malti Enjoys Fun Time At 'Nani's Mumbai House, Looks Cute In A Printed Frock