Zeenat Aman, the iconic Bollywood actress who redefined on-screen personas in the 70s and 80s, has always been fiercely protective of her personal life, especially concerning her two sons, Azaan and Zahaan Khan. While Azaan has ventured into filmmaking, Zahaan, the younger of the two, has consciously chosen a path away from the glare of the spotlight, forging his own identity as a musician and composer. In a recent interview, Zahaan opened up about growing up with a famous mother and his decision to carve a niche for himself outside the realm of Bollywood, effectively rejecting the "nepo kid" tag often associated with children of celebrities.
Zahaan's journey has been one of self-discovery and a deliberate effort to establish his own identity. The 35-year-old is a culinary arts graduate and freelance music composer, who releases his music under the pseudonym Zanuski. Since 2019, he has been composing original scores for independent films and documentaries. He taught himself how to play the guitar at sixteen. While his mother’s name once dominated magazine covers and silver screens, Zahaan comprehended the magnitude of Zeenat Aman's fame later in his life.
Growing up, Zahaan was accustomed to the attention his mother received, but it was only in his twenties, while traveling with her, that he truly grasped the extent of her impact. Despite being surrounded by celebrity culture, Zahaan has remained grounded, approaching social media with caution. He acknowledges his mother's value for privacy and is mindful of the line between vulnerability and oversharing.
Zeenat Aman married Mazhar Khan in 1985 and remained married until his death in 1998. In an interview, Zeenat said that Mazhar never wanted her to grow as an individual or as an artist and that he always wanted her to be with the kids and at home.
Zeenat Aman has also embraced social media. With the support of her son, Zahaan, Zeenat has shared stories and moments from her life, connecting with fans and offering insights into her experiences. She had said that she initially felt overwhelmed and knew nothing about Instagram, but her son, Zahaan, encouraged her to write her thoughts and discuss stories.
Zahaan's choice to pursue a career in music, specifically composing for independent projects, reflects a desire to be recognized for his talent and hard work, rather than benefiting from his mother's established stardom. He has consciously created a space for himself where his work speaks for itself, free from the expectations and comparisons that often accompany children of famous personalities. His journey exemplifies a growing trend among the younger generation of star kids who are keen to establish their individuality and contribute to their chosen fields on their own terms.
