Mumbai: On December 14, as we commemorate Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary, veteran actress Zeenat Aman shared a significant moment from her career while filming “Vakil Babu,” which featured the legendary actor.
Zeenat posted a behind-the-scenes black-and-white photo on Instagram, showing Raj Kapoor applying the iconic scar on her face for the film “Satyam Shivam Sundaram.” In her post, she wrote, “In December, we will mark the 100th birth anniversary of the extraordinary Raj Kapoor,” and recounted the story of how he cast her as Rupa in “Satyam Shivam Sundaram,” a tale she has shared many times.
She reminisced about filming “Vakil Babu” around 1976, where she, Raj Kapoor, and Shashi Kapoor played leading roles. During breaks between takes, Raj Kapoor passionately discussed a film idea about a man who falls in love with a woman’s voice but struggles to accept her appearance. Despite his enthusiasm, he never suggested that she could be part of this film, which would later become “Satyam Shivam Sundaram.”
Feeling overlooked, Zeenat believed her modern image—characterized by mini skirts and boots—was the reason for his disinterest. Determined to change his mind, she decided to take action. Knowing Raj Kapoor often spent time at ‘The Cottage’ on the R.K. Studio grounds, she prepared herself to present her interpretation of Rupa one evening after wrapping up early from the shoot. She dressed in a ghagra choli, braided her hair, and even created a scar on her face using tissue paper and glue.
Upon arriving at The Cottage, she was greeted by Raj Kapoor’s assistant, John, who was puzzled but complied with her request to inform Raj that “Rupa” had arrived. She teased that the story would continue the next day.
“Satyam Shivam Sundaram,” directed by Raj Kapoor, was released in 1978 and starred Shashi Kapoor alongside Zeenat. The film explores the contrasts between physical and spiritual love and was dedicated to the legendary playback singer Mukesh, whose last recorded song was featured in the movie before his passing two years prior.