Zeenat Aman adamant on advice of having a live-in relationship before marriage

Veteran Bollywood actress Zeenat Aman sparked a huge controversy by suggesting that people should have a live-in relationship before marriage.

Despite facing criticism from many, including Saira Banu, for her statement, she did not back down from her stance; instead, she has now emphasised that it is necessary to check whether the mentality, emotions and lifestyle of the two are compatible before marriage.

In a recent conversation with Indian actress and television personality Shuvra Ayyappa, Zeenat said that live-in relationships are more relevant than ever before.

Zeenat Aman says, “In this day and age, nothing is permanent. Before getting into a legal relationship, it is important to be sure how compatible two people are mentally and emotionally. If there are plans to have children, how will they raise them? What is the point of both of you in terms of finances? If there is no compatibility, then what is the point of being in a relationship? Isn’t it better to be happy for five years than unhappy for 15 years? At least that’s what I think.” Zeenat also criticises people’s overly romantic expectations about relationships.

In her words, “Many people think that the thrill of love will last forever. In reality, it doesn’t. Relationships have to be built all time. There is concession, adaptation, compromise. Relationships change with time. If someone thinks that the honeymoon phase will last a lifetime, then that is not realistic.”

Earlier, in a long post on Instagram, Zeenat wrote, “If you are in a relationship, then I would definitely advise you to live together before marriage.” She said that she has given the same advice to her two sons.

According to her, it is advisable to put their relationship through a real-life test before making two families and the state partners in the relationship. Zeenat writes, “It is easy to show your best side for a few hours.

But sharing the same bathroom every day, dealing with bad moods, deciding on dinner every day, maintaining the warmth of the marriage or handling the countless small conflicts that arise while living together – these are the things that tell us whether two people are actually compatible with each other or not.”

Actress Saira Banu strongly criticised Zeenat’s advice. She claims that Zeenat is trying to become a ‘cool aunty’ to gain popularity on social media. Saira said, “It is not right to try to gain popularity by giving advice that goes against social values. Zeenat herself knew Mazhar Khan for many years. But their married life was hell. So she should be the last person to give advice on the relationship.”