We all know her as Zeenat Aman but there is more to her name. Before the world started recognising the phenomenal talent that she is, the veteran star would go by a different name and that too, a Hindu one. This little-known revelation about her identity came during a recent chat where Zeenat spoke about having two different names. Curious?
Zeenat, during her attendance at the Amrit Ratna 2026 summit in New Delhi on Wednesday, shared that she also has a Hindu name, Laliteshwari. The actress also revealed that her parents were in an interfaith marriage.
In her words, “My name from my father’s side is Zeenat Aman, but from my mother’s side, my name is Laliteshwari. My mother’s name was Vardhini. She was a deeply religious Hindu woman who would spend two to three hours every day performing puja, and I was largely raised by her.”
Zeenat Aman On Whether She Is Religious
Asked whether she is a religious person, Zeenat had a straightforward response. She stated, “I am not religious because I have seen things very closely.”
Explaining the reason behind her choice, she continued, “My mother was Hindu, my father was Muslim, and the father of my children is also Muslim. I studied in a Catholic school, and my stepfather is German, so I was exposed to a very global way of life. Because of that, I never felt the need to adhere to any particular religion.”
A Look Into Zeenat Aman’s Career
Zeenat Aman began her career by winning Femina Miss India and Miss Asia Pacific International in 1970. She made her acting debut in the same year with The Evil Within and her breakthrough came just a year later with Hare Rama Hare Krishna.
Throughout her career, she delivered numerous hits like Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), Dharam Veer and Don (1978), among others. After her film Gawaahi (1989), she decided to stay away from the showbiz. She made her comeback with the 2025 series The Royals, starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar. It is available for streaming on Netflix. Fans will next see her in Bun Tikki, directed by Faraz Arif Ansari. The film also stars Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol in the lead roles. Besides, her comeback in the second season of The Royals is also expected.
