Veteran Bollywood actor Zeenat Aman has spoken out against moral policing in Hindi cinema, recalling her experiences while working on films such as Dostana and Teesri Aankh, and reflecting on the judgmental attitudes that prevailed in the industry during her peak years.

In a recent public interaction, Aman said that the opinions and tone she encountered at the time were “par for the course,” particularly for women who chose to take on bold or unconventional roles. She noted that actors were often scrutinised not just for their performances, but for how their on-screen choices aligned with prevailing social norms.

Referring to Dostana and Teesri Aankh, Aman said the criticism she faced was rooted in a broader culture of moral gatekeeping that disproportionately targeted women. She explained that female actors were routinely labelled or boxed in based on the kind of characters they portrayed, with little room for nuance or artistic freedom. According to her, such reactions were rarely applied with the same intensity to male co-stars.

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The actor added that, at the time, speaking openly about these issues was difficult, as the industry and society were far less receptive to conversations around agency, gender bias, and representation. She said many actors simply learned to accept the criticism as an unavoidable part of their professional lives, even when it came at a personal cost.

Aman’s remarks come amid renewed discussions around sexism, objectification, and creative freedom in Indian cinema, particularly as younger actors increasingly challenge outdated norms. She acknowledged that while progress has been made, remnants of moral policing still persist, albeit in more subtle forms.

By revisiting her experiences, Aman said she hoped to encourage more honest conversations about the pressures faced by women in the film industry. She emphasised that understanding the past is essential to ensuring a more equitable and respectful environment for future generations of actors.

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