For Zeenat Aman, Life Would Have Been "Different And Colourless" Without Step-Mother And Others

"My stepmother Shamim aunty, who doted on my sons," wrote Zeenat Aman

Zeenat Aman has been trending ever since she made her Instagram debut in February. Now, in her recent post, the veteran actress spoke about the lack of visibility of "older women in the public eye." In her long post, the Amar Akbar Anthony actress shared some stories about how her mother and friends supported her in her life. She also mentioned her stepmother, who doted on her sons. She started her note with these words, "We see very few older women in the public eye. It's not something I thought about when I was young, but now that I myself am silver-haired, I feel their absence. It's a puzzling phenomenon, simply because older women mould, protect and nurture us in so many ways worthy of celebration. There is just no substitute for the wisdom of experience and years."  

"My entire life I have known older women who have anchored me. My mother, yes, but others too. My friend Khadija whose generosity towards me was unsurpassed and who, being widowed young, displayed an inner steel that inspired me. My dear, ever-patient Sartaj, who is always there to make me laugh, but who was also by my side during days of intense grief. Kavi, who is steadfast as a rock and cradles our friendship even when I am neglectful,"  Zeenat Aman continued.

Speaking about her step-mother, Zeenat Aman wrote, "My stepmother Shamim aunty, who doted on my sons and to whom I could entrust them no matter the hour... How different and colourless life would have been without their influence." 

Zeenat Aman concluded her note with these words, "When you sweep your eyes across the landscape of your life, do you not also find the influence of older women? I would be interested to know your stories. Stories of how a mother or aunt or grandmother or sister or woman friend carried you in your time of hesitance or need. If you don't have a story to share, then maybe this post can serve as a reminder to drop a (heart emoticon) to an older woman who enriches your life."