TRIGGER WARNING: This article includes references to abuse.Actors Sanjay Khan and Zeenat Aman were briefly together in the 1970s, and their affair and secret marriage were the hot topic at the time. Naseem Mukri, daughter of actor Mohammed Umar Mukri, recently opened up about the affair between the two icons and their collaboration on ‘Abdullah.’ Read ahead to know more about what she had to share.
Naseem Mukri talks about Sanjay Khan and Zeenat Aman
Recently, Naseem Mukri discussed the golden days of Bollywood and how her father was one of the pioneering faces at the time. From her father’s cordial bond with Amitabh Bachchan and Mehmood to his work in the film industry, she touched on several topics. She also spoke about the film ‘Abdullah,’ which was a topic of discussion back then because of Zeenat Aman and Sanjay Khan’s collaboration.During a conversation with Vickey Lalwani, she revealed that an Iranian director had come to India searching for a cast, and her father played a major role in helping Sanjay Khan land the role alongside Zeenat Aman. She shared that when her father met with the foreign director, he had a few requirements for the cast. She added, “That guy said, ‘I want an Indian hero, but the hero should not look Indian’, because he is from that region, so he should look like that.” She added, “He (her father, Mukri) said, ‘woh ek hi hai mere paas Sanjay’, toh daddy Sanjay ko uske paas le gaye, and got him the film with Zeenat” (Dad took him to that Iranian guy and secured the film for him alongside Zeenat).Talking about their relationship, Mukri revealed that Zeenat and Sanjay’s affair started while they were filming ‘Abdullah’. When asked about the alleged abuse, Mukri commented that it was a horrible matter, and that their relationship ended soon after. At the time, it was revealed that during their stay in a popular hotel in Mumbai, Sanjay Khan had hurt Zeenat Aman to the point where she had to be hospitalised. She commented that the ‘Qurbani’ actress was hospitalised then and was extremely hurt because of what had happened to her. “She was in pain for so many years and in bed because of that injury,” Mukri added; however, at the time she was not aware of the situation fully, nor had she tried to get to know more about what happened from either Zeenat or Sanjay Khan. Naseem Mukri added, “I don’t get into people’s (business) ….ki why should I main kyon inse puchhun?” (Who am I to ask them about this.)
About Zeenat Aman and Sanjay Khan’s case
In the 1970s, Zeenat Aman and Sanjay Khan had an affair, and after a while the two decided to tie the knot. However, their union was quite short-lived. After an alleged altercation in a hotel room, the two officially split up. When their affair started, he was already married to Zarine Khan, and they had three daughters, with another baby on the way.However, the claims have been refuted over the years. Earlier this year, while talking to Vickey Lalwani in another interview, Farah Khan Ali, daughter of Sanjay Khan, called the entire hotel altercation issue “hogwash.” She added, “My father has never raised his hand on my mother or any of his daughters, and he is not a violent man to raise a finger on a woman.”At the time, she also opened up about how her mother, Zarine Khan, used to blame both Zeenat and her father for his actions. She added, “She said your father was attracted to her, so I don’t just blame her; I blame your father as well. There was an attraction on both sides; maybe there was something wrong with their marriage at that point that it happened, or maybe it just happened. ”Sanjay Khan and Zarine Khan stayed together even after the affair, until her passing earlier last year.DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, assault, or abuse, please seek immediate help. Reach out to a mental health specialist, NGO, or trusted individual. Several helplines are available to offer assistance.
