Veteran actress Zeenat Aman recently took to social media to revisit one of her lesser-known yet bold and memorable films — Manoranjan (1974), directed by Shammi Kapoor. Sharing a heartfelt note, Zeenat reflected on the film’s unique premise, her character Nisha, and the joy of working with Shammi Kapoor in his directorial debut.
Zeenat Aman reflects on Manoranjan and her bold role as Nisha; says, “Right up there with Rupa and Janice”
Calling it a “mad caper” that defied moral rigidity, Zeenat praised Manoranjan for its refreshing take on female agency and joy. The film, a remake of the Hollywood classic Irma La Douce, starred Sanjeev Kumar in Jack Lemmon’s role and Zeenat in Shirley MacLaine’s. Shammi Kapoor played Lou Jacobi’s character in the Indian adaptation.
“A busload of gorgeous, joyful prostitutes tease and school a moralistic havaldar as they are driven to the lock-up!” Zeenat wrote, as she shared a video from one of the film’s songs ‘Dulhan Maike Chali’. She further expressed pride in being part of a film that dared to break stereotypes. “The opinion on most ‘remakes’ seems to be scathing, but I am very proud to have starred in Shammi Kapoor’s directorial debut Manoranjan, a remake of the American romantic comedy Irma La Douce”, she said and added, “As a young woman discovering her own feminism, I was keen to sink my teeth into a character who defied societal expectations. In this case, the expectation that a prostitute must be miserable, ashamed, socially rejected and waiting for a white knight! In my books, Nisha is a character right up there with Rupa and Janice. Iconic.”
Zeenat also fondly recalled the connection that led her to the role. Living in South Bombay at the time, she was introduced to the project by producer F.C. Mehra, who was also her neighbour. “It was he who connected me with Shammi ji, for which I am ever grateful. It’s not that Shammi ji and I forged some profound friendship, instead I had the professional joy of working with an immensely talented, musical and affable director. His vision was unstinted – he set the tone for the cast and crew – but he also revealed his playful side. I recall many a lunch during which he teased my costar Sanjeev Kumar about his rumoured romantic trysts to the delight of everyone at the table.”
The actress urged her followers to listen to the song ‘Dulhan Maike Chali’, composed by R.D. Burman, written by Anand Bakshi, and sung by the Mangeshkar sisters. “Manoranjan is a mad caper, and there is something so delightful about its lack of priggishness. Do me a favour, and enjoy this number – Dulhan Maike Chali – today. Its loaded lyrics are by Anand Bakshi, it’s sung by the three Mangeshkar sisters, and composed by the one and only RD Burman.”, she said, highlighting the film’s musical richness.
While Manoranjan may not have achieved mainstream blockbuster status, Zeenat Aman’s tribute has sparked fresh interest in the film — a quirky, progressive tale that remains relevant even five decades later.
More Pages: Manoranjan Box Office Collection
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