Zeenat Aman to return to silver screen for Faraz Arif Ansari's 'Bun Tikki'

Zeenat Aman, Pic/Instagram

It has only been five months since she joined Instagram, but Zeenat Aman is already a social media darling. Her throwback posts and reflections on her years in the industry are authentic and a welcome change from the cookie-cutter posts on the gram. Now, there's good news for those who want to see more of the 71-year-old actor. Aman, who was last seen in a cameo in Panipat (2019), is returning to the screen with Faraz Arif Ansari's next, Bun Tikki.

For his first feature film after the acclaimed short, Sheer Qorma (2021), the writer-director has rounded up an impressive cast - Aman, Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol. The movie, centred on a father and his pre-teen son, explores gender identity. A source from the creative team reveals, "Though Bun Tikki revolves around Abhay and his on-screen son, Shabana and Zeenat form the film's backbone. Casting for the child is underway. When Faraz approached Zeenat, she loved the script. She always knew that if she made a comeback, it would be with a story that aligned with her ideas and beliefs. Bun Tikki was just that. She told Faraz that she had to be a part of this film as it explores many causes that she feels strongly about."

Abhay Deol; Shabana Azmi and director Faraz Arif Ansari

The director is planning to take the drama on floors in November in Himachal Pradesh. Through it, Ansari not only wants to talk about gender identity, but also about parenting. The source adds, "Children have to deal with many issues today, which also play a role in creating their identity as an adult. Often, the onus is on children to behave better and achieve certain goals, but the film places equal responsibility on parents. It celebrates the power of love, kindness and friendship."

The project marks couturier Manish Malhotra's foray into production, as he launches his banner Stage 5 with three movies. "The film is far removed from the glamorous image that Manish has. But the subject resonated with him. Through his productions, he wants to support lesser-heard stories and voices."