Zeenat Aman: The ultimate glam diva of Indian cinema

Zeenat Aman: She was every man's dream back in the days. She was one of the leading actresses during her era who broke the notion and did not fear to expose before the camera. But before her debut in Bollywood, Zeenat had won the Miss Asia Pacific 1970 title and had a successful modelling career. 

It is said that the glam doll of 70s was the first to introduce westernized look and boldness on the screen. Her sultry on-screen personality was refreshingly different from other leading heroines of that era. She did not mind wearing revealing outfits. She did not mind smoking, which was in a first, on screen. Her fashion style and charm were strikingly divergent from others. 

As per several reports, Zeenat had plans to shift to Germany just after her debut in Bollywood. However, late legendary actor Dev Anand had spotted the diva by then and relaunched her with his film 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna'. The film turned out to be the biggest blockbuster of the year. But it was Zeenat, who was lauded most for her on-screen persona. She emerged to be one of the most sought-after actresses after the films.

Her hip look in the song 'Dum Maro Dum', aided by RD Burman, had also won hearts. Owing to her popularity at that time, she also appeared on several magazine covers in a similar look.

She was born to be a superstar. After the tremendous success of 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna', Zeenat went to do several other films with Dev Anand. Her life and choice of roles films, mostly bold, were heavily discussed.

In 1978, she starred in Raj Kapoor's massively publicised 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' and gamely sported a burnt-face look in the movie, which no other actress of that time would have dared. Though the film was heavily criticized because of overexposure, it is still considered to be one of the biggest hits of Zeenat's film career. It took several years for the film to be distinguished as a work of art. 

Zeenat starred in several other hit projects such as 'Don', 'Heeralal Pannalal' and 'Chor Ke Ghar Chor'. but despite her breakthrough roles in these films, the actress had got typecast as the sexy sultry icon who was increasingly asked by the makers to provide sex appeal in her films. 

In 1980, Zeenat once gave a remarkable performance with the portrayal of a rape victim in BR Chopra's 'Insaaf Ka Tarazu'. The same year, she appeared in another super hit film and this time again, she bagged all attention for her stunning looks in the love triangle 'Qurbani'.

She made her last appearance as the female lead in 1999 in 'Bhopal Express'.