When Shashi Kapoor said Zeenat Aman cannot act for peanuts, told Shabana Azmi she's not good looking

On Shashi Kapoor's birth anniversary, reflecting on his notable roles and candid opinions on co-stars, he once described Zeenat Aman as attractive but lacking acting skills. In contrast, he praised Shabana Azmi's acting talent despite her looks. Kapoor acknowledged being typecast in charming roles but expressed a desire for more diverse opportunities.
When Shashi Kapoor said Zeenat Aman cannot act for peanuts, told Shabana Azmi she's not good looking
It was Shashi Kapoor's birth anniversay on March 18. Just around the occasion, as we remember the actor who was always charming on-screen, here's recalling some anecdotes and association with his co-stars. Shashi shared screen space with Zeenat Aman in the iconic 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' made by Raj Kapoor. While their chemistry in the film was loved, and so was Zeenat's bold look, did you know that the actor felt Zeenat couldn't act.
He had once revealed in an interview what he thought about his co-stars Zeenat and Shabana Azmi. He had said, "I’ve told Zeenat that to her face. Yeah! I told her she’s a good-looking woman, but she can’t act for peanuts. So what’s the big fuss about?” Apart from 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram', Shashi and Zeenat have worked together in movies like 'Roti Kapda Aur Makaan', 'Chori Mera Kaam', 'Heeralal Pannalal'.
Meanwhile, Shashi felt the opposite for Shabana who he once said, "I’ve told Shabana she wasn’t particularly good looking but she is a very fine actress. I say what I feel that’s why people don’t like me, they are welcome to say it, it’s all a matter of opinion."
In the same interview, Shashi had also opened up on being stereortyped in similar chocolate boy roles. He had said, "What can I do if that’s all I’m offered. I want to make good pictures in Hindi, English but who’s got the guts to take the risks. I won’t say I haven’t done any good roles but certainly, there’s a lot more I could have done and still can do given the chance. In fact, sometimes I really wonder if I’m anywhere near doing what I’d started as a little boy. I saw my father, my brother, and all the pioneers of Indian cinema and moved to that company.”
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TOI Entertainment Desk

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