Zeenat Aman’s first professional photoshoot that later led to her hit pairing with Dev Anand

Mumbai

During the 1970s and 1980s, Zeenat Aman chose films that featured bold and unconventional roles. She is known in Hindi cinema as a bold, stylish, and strong actress, but before entering the film industry, she was quite simple and innocent.

The actress recently recalled her early modeling days, when her mother personally groomed her for her first professional photoshoot. It was through this very photoshoot that, years later, Dev Anand discovered her and cast her in a film.

Zeenat Aman reminisced about her modeling days and time spent with her mother. According to her, there were two main reasons behind getting a professional photoshoot done: first, to enter films, and second, to earn some pocket money through modeling if films didn’t work out. She also mentioned that getting photographed at Hamilton Studio—one of India’s oldest photography studios—was a dream for every girl at that time, as many prominent personalities had their portraits taken there.

Sharing a nostalgic photo from her modeling days, the actress wrote, “My mother was taking me to the iconic Hamilton Studio in Ballard Estate, where my first professional photographs were to be taken. Renowned producers lived in our neighborhood, film stars resided across the street, and many of my seniors were entering the entertainment industry. Parties and conversations revolved around films, and this environment inspired me to step into the field.”

She further added, “Established in 1928, Hamilton Studio is one of the oldest photography studios in India, where some of the most notable personalities in history have been photographed. That day, my mother styled my hair, dressed me in a saree, and stood behind the camera as I shyly posed for the first time. Years later, this very picture led to Dev Anand discovering me.”

It is worth noting that Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman went on to work together in the iconic hit film Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Following this, they also collaborated in films like Heera Panna, Ishq Ishq Ishq, and Prem Shastra.

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