Zeenat Aman recalls being mistaken for Parveen Babi, calls it an 'awkward' moment: 'Had to tell a fan that her favourite actress was no more'
Veteran actress Zeenat Aman recently engaged with fans in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) session, where she opened up about being frequently mistaken for fellow yesteryear star Parveen Babi . Known for their striking resemblance and impeccable style in the 70s and 80s, Zeenat and Parveen were often compared by fans.
During the session, a Reddit user asked, “Hi Zeenat Ji. As a kid I would always get confused between yourself and Parveen Babi. Did you ever get confused in public by fans?”
In response, Zeenat confirmed the mix-up was common and shared an uncomfortable encounter. She said, “That was a very common mistake. Parveen was stunning so I didn't mind it either! There was one very awkward moment in Dubai when a woman went absolutely gaga over me thinking I'm Parveen, but this was AFTER her passing! It was so uncomfortable, and I was the one to have to break it to that dejected fan that her favourite actress is no more.”
During their careers, Zeenat and Parveen were two of the most glamorous stars in Bollywood, often working alongside leading actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor, and Shatrughan Sinha. Parveen’s last Bollywood film was Iraada (1991), starring Shatrughan Sinha and Moon Moon Sen.
Parveen Babi, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, also battled diabetes and osteoarthritis. She passed away at the age of 50 due to multiple organ failure, and her body was discovered three days later.
Meanwhile, Zeenat Aman continues to stay active in the industry. She will next be seen in The Royals, alongside Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar. She also has a role in Bun Tikki, co-starring Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol.
During the session, a Reddit user asked, “Hi Zeenat Ji. As a kid I would always get confused between yourself and Parveen Babi. Did you ever get confused in public by fans?”
In response, Zeenat confirmed the mix-up was common and shared an uncomfortable encounter. She said, “That was a very common mistake. Parveen was stunning so I didn't mind it either! There was one very awkward moment in Dubai when a woman went absolutely gaga over me thinking I'm Parveen, but this was AFTER her passing! It was so uncomfortable, and I was the one to have to break it to that dejected fan that her favourite actress is no more.”
During their careers, Zeenat and Parveen were two of the most glamorous stars in Bollywood, often working alongside leading actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor, and Shatrughan Sinha. Parveen’s last Bollywood film was Iraada (1991), starring Shatrughan Sinha and Moon Moon Sen.
Parveen Babi, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, also battled diabetes and osteoarthritis. She passed away at the age of 50 due to multiple organ failure, and her body was discovered three days later.
Meanwhile, Zeenat Aman continues to stay active in the industry. She will next be seen in The Royals, alongside Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar. She also has a role in Bun Tikki, co-starring Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol.
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