Legendary actress Zeenat Aman recently opened up about a strained period with filmmaker Feroz Khan, revealing how he verbally abused her after she initially turned down a role in his 1975 film, *Dharmatma*.
A Rocky Start with Feroz Khan
Before their iconic collaboration in *Qurbani*, Zeenat Aman and Feroz Khan had a significant disagreement. As one of the highest-paid actresses of her time, Aman was offered a secondary role in Khan’s 1975 film, *Dharmatma*, which she politely declined.
This refusal did not sit well with the filmmaker. Aman recalled in an old interview that Khan became “mad” at her. He then unleashed a torrent of “ulta-sulta” (abusive) words over the phone, leading to a long period of silence between them.
From Conflict to Collaboration: Qurbani
Despite their tense history, Feroz Khan reconnected with Zeenat Aman for his next big project, *Qurbani* (1980). This time, he made sure to emphasize it was a lead role, enticing her to join the cast.
Aman shared that Khan specifically told her, “This time, it is not a secondary role, Zeenat Aman.” Her decision to accept this offer paved the way for one of Bollywood’s most successful films and a renewed working relationship.
It was after *Qurbani*’s success that Feroz Khan began affectionately referring to Zeenat Aman as “Choti Begum.” This nickname developed despite her brief, tumultuous marriage to Feroz Khan’s brother, Sanjay Khan, which ended quickly due to alleged physical assault.
Lessons in Professionalism on Set
Zeenat Aman also recounted a memorable incident during the *Qurbani* shoot that highlighted Feroz Khan’s strict professionalism. Known for her diligence, she once arrived an hour late to set after a late night party.
Khan, observing her tardiness, didn’t scold her but instead delivered a blunt message: “Begum, you’re late and you’re going to pay for the delay.” True to his word, he docked her pay for that hour, using the amount to compensate the crew for the delay.
This incident left a lasting impression on Aman, reinforcing the importance of punctuality and accountability on a film set.
A Blockbuster Legacy
*Qurbani* went on to become one of the biggest hits in Bollywood history, notable not just for its box office success but also for being one of the most expensive films of its time with a budget of Rs 1.55 crore. The film originally eyed Amitabh Bachchan for a role, which eventually went to Vinod Khanna due to scheduling conflicts.
- Zeenat Aman initially refused a secondary role in Feroz Khan’s *Dharmatma*.
- Feroz Khan verbally abused her over the phone for her refusal, causing a long silence between them.
- Despite the past conflict, Khan offered Aman the lead role in *Qurbani*, which she accepted.
- Khan once docked Zeenat Aman’s pay for arriving late on the *Qurbani* set, demonstrating his strict work ethic.
- *Qurbani* became a massive blockbuster, solidifying Aman and Khan’s professional bond.
Zeenat Aman’s candid reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the demanding yet ultimately rewarding dynamics of Bollywood’s golden era.
