Bollywood Divided Over Zeenat Aman's Stance on Live-In Relationships

Veteran Bollywood actress Zeenat Aman has stirred up a hornet's nest with her recent comments advocating for live-in relationships before marriage. Her contemporaries have come out strongly against the idea, dividing opinion in the film industry.

It all started when Aman, 71, took to Instagram to share relationship advice with the younger generation. "If you're in a relationship, I strongly recommend that you LIVE TOGETHER before getting married!" she wrote, suggesting it would help couples know their partners better.

However, her views didn't go down well with many of her peers from the 70s and 80s Hindi film industry. Veteran actresses Mumtaz and Saira Banu were among the first to slam Aman's take.

"Zeenat should be careful with what she is advising...giving advice that is counter to our moral values is not the solution," said Mumtaz, adding that despite knowing her husband for years before marriage, Aman's married life was difficult.

Saira Banu was more unequivocal, stating "I can never agree with this statement. It's something unimaginable and unacceptable for me."

Now actors Mukesh Khanna and Soni Razdan have also weighed in on the controversial comments. Khanna criticized Aman for promoting "Western" values incompatible with Indian culture.

"Live-in relationships are not recognized in our culture and history...Zeenat Aman has lived her life according to Western civilization from the beginning," the 'Shaktiman' actor told Dainik Jagran.

However, Razdan came out in support of Aman's stance in a sarcastic tweet. "Gosh. Can't imagine what would happen if a couple live together in a 'live-in' relationship and don't get along. The mind boggles," she wrote.