Reliving Zeenat Aman’s Most Iconic Songs

In 1970, Zeenat Aman became the first woman in Indian history to win the Miss Asia Pacific award. The daughter, who saw her father as a writer from childhood, carrying on the legacy of her father’s talent, took up the pen of a journalist. She began developing her modeling career and gained initial recognition after winning the Femina Miss India and Miss Asia Pacific International pageants in 1970. 

Her breakthrough role came in Dev Anand’s film Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), where her portrayal of a troubled hippie earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress and catapulted her to stardom. Zeenat Aman was an actress whose style, art, and expression were considered exemplary in the film gharana.

When a playback singer sings, the song is reflected in the expression of an actor or actress; they give it shape. And that song gradually flows through the hands of time, as if the voice and face come together on one stage to express themselves. Not only was she perfect for visualising the song, but she was also equally responsible for her fellow musicians and singers. Rahul Dev Burman has directed many Zeenat Aman Songs for many Bollywood films.

R.D. Burman revolutionized Hindi film music by blending Indian classical music with Western jazz, rock, and funk, a style that perfectly matched Zeenat Aman’s modern, glamorous screen persona.

Top 10 Zeenat Aman Songs You Have to Hear

Zeenat Aman’s top 10 Hindi Film songs are a timeless collection that showcases her unique charm and the golden era of Bollywood music. From soulful melodies to energetic beats, these songs beautifully capture her dynamic screen presence. 

Listening to these tracks is like taking a nostalgic journey through some of the most iconic moments in Indian cinema.

Dum Maro Dum  – Hare Rama Hare Krishna

“Dum Maro Dum” is a famous Hindi song from the 1971 Bollywood film Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Asha Bhosle won a Filmfare Award for singing this song. The Music Director was Rahul Dev Burman, and the Lyricist was Anand Bakshi. This film is known for its psychedelic sound and association with the hippie movement. Actress Zeenat Aman, in her breakout role as Janice, an emotionally damaged, drug-abusing hippie sister. Zeenat has displayed an extraordinary acting prowess as the emotionally damaged, drug-abusing Hippie Sister in this film. 

At the time, the song faced criticism for its overt references to drug use and association with the “Hare Krishna”. A report in the Hindustan Times revealed that Dev Anand was considering dropping this song due to controversy, but Asha Bhosle requested that he keep it. The expression of hippie culture that Zeenat Aman has portrayed in the song’s picturization has earned it the title of the best of all time.

Chura Liya Hai  – Yaadon Ki Baraat

It is an iconic, evergreen romantic song from the classic 1973 Bollywood film Yaadon Ki Baaraat. Nasir Hussain directed the film. This is a duet song sung by Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi. R. D. Burman provides musical direction. Lyricist was Majrooh Sultanpuri. The song picturized on Actors Zeenat Aman and Vijay Arora. 

This song remains immensely popular today and is considered a timeless classic in Indian cinema. In the seventies, Zeenat Aman set a new trend in her expression with the guitar in this song as a leading female actress in a new Avatar. Asha Bhosle ji’s singing and Zeenat Aman’s presentation, all in all, this song flows with the flow of eternal modern thought.

Panna Ki Tamanna Hai – Heera Panna

This song is a classic Hindi song from the 1973 Bollywood film Heera Panna, sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. The music director was R.D. Burman. This song is a wonderful creation by R. D. Berman. Lyrics by Anand Bakshi. Dev Anand has acted in the song along with Zeenat Aman. In this song, Zeenat Aman gives a skillful performance, with Lataji’s song in the background against a backdrop of natural scenery.

Anand Bakshi has written wonderful lyrics that suit the film’s plot, and Kishore Kumar and Lataji’s performances are impeccable. R.D. Burman has created a wonderful melody. Zeenat has achieved an outstanding feat by acting alongside the renowned actor Dev Anand in this film.

Satyam Shivam Sundaram  –  Satyam Shivam Sundaram

‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’ is the main theme song of the film Satyam Sivam Sundaram. Released in 1978 and directed by Raj Kapoor. In this film, Zeenat played such a challenging role. Music Directors were Laxmikant–Pyarelal, lyricist was Pt. Narendra Sharma. A devotional song that deserves praise for the commercial touch it has given through its delivery. Zeenat recently wrote on her social media site about auditioning for the role in front of Raj Kapoor. 

Zeenat Aman wrote–“I later learnt that he was very moved that an actress of my stature would go to such lengths to prove herself. When his laughter died down, Rajji excused himself to make a telephone call. Twenty minutes later, his most gracious wife, Krishna ji, was at the door with a handful of gold guineas in her purse. Rajji handed these to me with great aplomb as my signing amount… and so it was that I came to be Rupa.”

Do Lavzon Ke Hai Dil Ki Kahani

The song “Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani” from the Bollywood film The Great Gambler (1979).   Sung by Asha Bhosle, also with Amitabh Bachchan and Sharad Kumar. Music Director was R. D. Burman and Lyrics- Anand Bakshi. Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman. The song is a playful, romantic duet featuring the lead pair, Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman, as they ride a gondola. 

The song uses a mix of Hindi and some Italian phrases like “Amore mio, dove sei tu…”. Zeenat Aman has given an appropriate expression to Asha Bhosle’s wonderful singing in the song.

Chori Chori Solah Singar Karoongi – Manoranjan

Chori chori solah singar karoongi is a popular song from the Bollywood film Manoranjan in 1974, sung by Asha Bhosle in RD Burman’s Music direction. The lyricist was Anand Bakshi, and the stars were Zeenat Aman and Sanjeev Kumar. The song features a 16-year-old girl reveling in fantasies about her love. The song is famous for its playful lyrics and Asha Bhosle’s expressive singing. 

Zeenat Aman beautifully portrays the anxiety of a teenage girl thinking about her husband and the joy of a new love. Zeenat’s beauty, her confidence, and her grace all had a huge impact on her work.

Hay Hay Ye Majboori – Roti Kapda aur Makaan

The song is from the 1974 blockbuster Hindi film Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. Starring Manoj Kumar, Zeenat Aman. Manoj Kumar not only acted in the movie but also wrote, produced, and directed it. Lata Mangeshkar sang this song, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal ji directed the music. The lyricist was Varma Malik. 

In the film, Manoj Kumar starred as the protagonist, Bharat, an honest man struggling with unemployment. At the same time, Zeenat Aman played a role who ultimately leaves him for a wealthier man due to economic pressures. Zeenat Aman was known as a “painstaking artiste” on set. Manoj Kumar once mentioned how they took 15 days to film a specific tragic scene for her character, showing her dedication to the role.

Hum Dono Do Premi – Ajnabee

“Hum Dono Do Premi” is an iconic romantic duet from the 1974 Bollywood film Ajnabee. Singers were Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. R. D Burman directed music. Lyrics by Anand Bakshi. Starring Rajesh Khanna, Zeenat Aman. The rhythm of the song, combined with the moving train scene. 

The song’s lyrics become a melodic statement in the movie’s scenes, and Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat’s musical dialogue and acting bring it to life. Zeenat Aman has made Rahul Devav Burman’s dynamic melodies so successful through her acting and hard work.

Khatouba  – Ali Baba 40 Chor

“Khatouba” is a well-known item song from the film Alibaba Aur 40 Chor. In 1980, it was an Indo-Soviet co-production. Legendary singer Asha Bhosle has sung this song. R. D. Burman and Vladimir Milov directed the music. The song is a high-energy dance track that features R.D. Burman’s signature blend of Indian and Western musical styles, and became a very popular tune at the time of its release. 

The film itself was a significant Indo-Soviet collaboration, shot on location in Uzbekistan. Zeenat Aman has made the song famous with such outstanding skill in dancing and acting in the Arabian Nights Falak style.

Aap Jaisa Koi Meri Zindagi Me Aaye – Qurbaani

“Aap Jaisa Koi Meri Zindagi Mein Aaye” is a revolutionary disco song from the action-drama film Qurbani in “Aap Jaisa Koi Meri Zindagi Mein Aaye” is  1980. Singer was Nazia Hassan. Music directed by British-Indian producer Biddu. Lyrics by Indeevar. Starring Zeenat Aman, Feroz Khan. The song became an immediate cultural phenomenon in India and Pakistan, gaining cult status. Pakistani pop queen Nazia Hassan sang this song just 15 years ago, and it became very famous. 

For “Aap Jaisa Koi,” Nazia became the first Pakistani to win a Filmfare Award and, to date, remains the youngest person ever to win the Best Female Playback Singer award.

 Performed the song on screen in a glamorous nightclub setting. Zeenat Aman’s charismatic performance contributed significantly to the song’s visual success and popularity. It was featured in the film as a glamorous item number.

The Lasting Influence of a Bollywood Icon

Zeenat is one of the stars of Indian cinema who has significantly contributed to it through her work, skills, dedication, and hard work. She has brought out her own dynamic presentation in the film. Today, she continues to give that gift to the film. Not only as an actress, but also as a colleague and a person, she is very kind-hearted. Mithun Chakraborty once said in an interview that when no famous actress would work with him in his early years, Zeenat agreed to do so. After that, others also worked with him later, so he is grateful to Zeenat Aman for that.  That initial collaboration with Zeenat Aman was essential to his career and helped him find his path in the industry.

 For anyone interested in the music produced in that era, Artium Academy offers a comprehensive Hindi film songs course with dedicated modules on Zeenat Aman’s most iconic hits. The academy provides one-on-one classes with experienced instructors who can help students master classic Bollywood playback singing. Artium Academy offers comprehensive online Hindi music courses, focusing primarily on Hindi Film Music, Hindustani Classical Music, and more. 

These courses are structured to help students learn to sing and perform. The Hindi Film Music courses are designed and certified by the maestros, offering students a unique opportunity to learn industry techniques and styles. The curriculum is performance-based, combining in-depth training in Hindustani Classical Music foundations with modern vocal techniques and scientific voice training to help students of all levels, from beginner to advanced, develop their skills and confidence. 

Students receive personalized, one-on-one live online music classes with expert teachers and flexible scheduling options. Artium’s approach ensures a holistic musical education, connecting learners to India’s rich musical heritage through an accessible online platform.