Veteran actor Raza Murad has shared candid reflections on the personal struggles and emotional turmoil faced by his cousin, legendary cinema icon Zeenat Aman. In an in-depth conversation with Vicky Lalwani on a podcast, the actor spoke at length about her difficult childhood, the lingering scars of parental separation, and the harrowing experiences she endured during her turbulent marriage. Taking a firm stand against domestic mistreatment, he emphasized that no circumstances can ever justify violence against a woman.
Family Ties and Fond Childhood Monikers
Opening up about their familial connection, Raza Murad explained that Zeenat Aman's father and his own mother were biological siblings, establishing their close bond as first cousins. He recalled that within the family circle, Zeenat was affectionately called by the pet name 'Babbushah'. Murad also touched upon his own upbringing, noting the deep emotional bond and strong mutual affection he shared with his father during those formative years.
The Emotional Toll of Parental Separation
Speaking on the actress's early life, Raza Murad noted that her parents separated when she was quite young. As an only child, she had to constantly divide her time, living alternately with her mother and her father. Murad pointed out that witnessing one's home fall apart at a tender age inflicts lasting psychological distress on a growing child. Although both of her parents eventually moved forward with their lives and entered into second marriages, the emotional warmth and security typical of a unified household remained missing from her early life, leaving her with an enduring sense of loneliness.
Relationship Complexities with Sanjay Khan
Addressing her romantic life, Raza Murad openly discussed the relationship between Zeenat Aman and actor-filmmaker Sanjay Khan. The two were married in 1978, at a time when Sanjay Khan was already married to Zarine Khan and had children. Murad observed that entering a marital union with a person who is already committed and has a family introduces significant complexities and emotional hazards that should always be weighed carefully before making such life decisions.
Condemning Physical Abuse and the Eye Injury Incident
Reflecting on the infamous dispute, Raza Murad recalled that Zeenat Aman had traveled from Lonavala to Mumbai when a severe confrontation took place with Sanjay Khan. He stated that physical violence occurred during the incident, which ultimately caused lasting damage to her eye. While Sanjay Khan has consistently denied these allegations across the years, Murad reiterated his uncompromising stance, stating that violence can never be defended under any pretext. He firmly asserted that raising a hand against a woman is utterly wrong and that nobody holds the right to commit such acts.
