‘Swollen Ankles, Drooping Eyes But Worth It': Zeenat Aman On Shooting The Royals

News18

07-05-2025

Last Updated:
Zeenat shared a heartfelt post on Instagram reflecting her experience working in the series as well as her admiration for her co-stars.
Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar's latest venture, The Royals, is just a few days away from its grand release. With the upcoming rom-com series, veteran actress Zeenat Aman will be making her much-awaited return to acting, and fans are waiting with bated breath to watch her after nearly six years. As the anticipation builds around the Netflix series, Zeenat recently shared a heartfelt post on Instagram reflecting on her experience working on the series as well as her admiration for her co-stars.
Sharing a still from the sets of The Royals on Instagram, the actress first apologised to fans who are waiting for her series on the Kapoors. She revealed, 'Some of you must be awaiting my series on the Kapoors, but since I'm quite obviously in the midst of a promotional blitzkrieg for The Royals, it has to wait another week or so."
Moving on, she talked about her upcoming series and her honest and earnest appreciation for the teamwork and effort that went into creating The Royals. Clarifying that the post is not a studio directive, she talked about the struggles of shooting for long hours at this age.
In her post, she expressed, 'The truth is that as I get older, shoot schedules leave me exhausted. At the end of a 10- to 12-hour workday that involves tedious time in the makeup chair, heavy costumes and jewellery, searing heat and frenzied activity, I am left with swollen ankles and drooping eyes. It's all quite unglamorous, but then I watch myself on screen and see what a coup the team managed.
Talking about her character, she revealed, 'Maji Sahiba is absolutely entitled, queenly, tart and intimidating, just as she was scripted!"
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A post shared by Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman)
The veteran actor then took a moment to appreciate her young co-star Ishaan Khatter. Zeenat penned, 'Now, while every member of the cast and crew did their best to ensure my comfort, I must admit I am most charmed by the young Mr Khatter. Here is a boy whose star is on the rise, yet he made it a point to prioritise my well-being. From assisting me down the stairs to my vehicle to bringing me fresh ginger ale to sip on between takes and conjuring up cushions for the uncomfortable plastic chair I had to sit on during readings, he exhibited the courtesies and grace I thought had become virtues of the past. I also witnessed his immense dedication to his work as he honed his horse-riding and dancing skills to embody his royal character."
Blessing Ishaan for a successful career. She added, 'I wanted to post about Ishaan many months ago when I returned from our last schedule in Jaipur. But both Zahaan and Cara insisted that I wait until we were closer to the release date to share my thoughts. Prudent of them, since my sentiments remain the same, but perhaps this timing is better to air them. @ishaankhatter, you have an ally in me, and I give you all my blessings for a successful career (and meaningful personal life)."
'Everyone on the project has put their best foot forward with their tireless hard work and dedication to The Royals. I am truly elated for us to bring this to you!" she concluded.
Coming to The Royals, the series boasts a star-studded cast of talented actors, including Zeenat Aman, Ishaan Khatter, and Bhumi Pednekar. Other celebrated artists in the film are Chunky Panday, Sakshi Tanwar, Dino Morea, Nora Fatehi, Milind Soman, Kavya Trehan, Vihaan Samat, Udit Arora, Sumukhi Suresh, Lisa Mishra, and Luke Kenny. Helmed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana and written by Neha Veena Sharma, The Royals will bring forth the new-age romance. Mark your calendars! The series is all set to release on streaming giant Netflix on May 9.
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