Golden Days: When Dev Anand finalized Zeenat Aman’s classic bohemian look for ‘Dum Maro Dum’

In the golden era of Bollywood, when some movies and songs were made, nobody knew that they would get the status of classics and would be celebrated decades later. The 1971 released ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna,’ is an example of the same, where the song ‘Dum Maro Dum’ not only became an anthem but also showcased Zeenat Aman in an unforgettable avatar.

Her hippy look to date is one of the iconic Bollywood avatars. During the telecast of a music reality show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa,’ Zeenat Aman shared fascinating insights into the creative process behind her character's look.

"When the song was being shot, Dev Sahab was in double mind about it. He wasn’t sure if we should use it for the movie, but he was convinced about it finally," Zeenat revealed. The uncertainty surrounding the song underscores the often unpredictable nature of filmmaking, where even the most memorable scenes can come from moments of doubt and decision. Once Dev Anand was certain about including the song, attention turned to Zeenat's look. The actress said it was the topic of discussion.


Since the song was so personal to her character, Zeenat decided to give it a personal touch with straight, long hair with a middle partition. However, Dev Anand had a different perspective, envisioning a more vibrant and bohemian appearance to align with the film's setting and the spirit of the song.

Dev Anand felt that Zeenat’s character should wear shades and have a hippie look since the song is being shot around hippies as well. He was convinced that the actress should appear carefree and not bothered with anything. “Very bindaas," as Zeenat recalled.


This suggestion led to a collaborative effort between the actor and the director, blending their creative visions to craft a look that would resonate with audiences and define a generation. The resulting hippie-inspired attire, complete with oversized sunglasses and a carefree demeanor, perfectly captured the essence of the era and the rebellious spirit of the song.

‘Dum Maro Dum’ and Zeenat Aman's iconic look continue to be celebrated in Bollywood history. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into its creation highlights the thoughtful consideration and creative dialogue that brought it to life. As Zeenat Aman reminisces about those golden days, fans are reminded of the magic that can happen when creative minds come together to craft cinema that stands the test of time.