Zeenat Aman, 74, backs live-in relationship: Better 5 happy years than 15 miserable

Actor Zeenat Aman has reiterated her support for live-in relationships, saying they are more relevant than ever and are important for understanding compatibility before marriage. Her remarks come after her earlier Instagram post urging couples to live together before getting married drew criticism from veteran actor Saira Banu.

In an interview for the YouTube channel, Flip The Script With Shubra, Zeenat said, "In today's day and age — and even in the past — nothing lasts forever. You need to ensure compatibility before making a legal commitment. This is my view. You need to know whether you're compatible mentally and emotionally. If you're planning to have children, how will you raise them? What are your views on finances? If there is no compatibility, what's the point? Wouldn't you rather have five joyous years instead of fifteen miserable ones? That's what I believe."

The 74-year-old emphasised that relationships are dynamic and demand mutual effort, noting that "relationships are always a work in progress." Rather than expecting the honeymoon phase to endure indefinitely, couples must embrace "give and take, adjustment, and compromise if things are to work," she said.

Ultimately, because connections naturally evolve over time, lasting partnerships require active, shared commitment rather than a reliance on fleeting romance, she discussed.

In her earlier Instagram post on live-in relationships, Zeenat explained in detail why she supports living together before marriage. "One of you asked me for relationship advice in the comments section of my last post. Here's a personal opinion I haven't previously shared — if you're in a relationship, I strongly recommend that you live together before getting married! (sic)" she wrote.

Veteran actor Saira Banu responded sharply to the advice, criticising both the message itself and the speaker's authority on the matter. Acknowledging her peer's sudden wave of online popularity, Saira remarked that she could understand the "excitement about sounding like a 'cool aunty,'" but firmly argued that "giving advice that is counter to our moral values is not the solution to increasing your following."

Pointing to the veteran's own past as a cautionary example, Saira emphasised that despite knowing her partner for years before marriage, her subsequent relationship was incredibly turbulent, making her "the last person doling out advice on relationships."

In the recent times, Zeenat has emerged as an icon for younger generations, who deeply resonate with her progressive and unapologetic views across love, relationships, work, movies, and marriage. By candidly championing emotional compatibility, professional autonomy, and financial independence, her modern outlook effortlessly bridges generational gaps and redefines traditional norms.

Zeenat was last seen in the 2025 Netflix series, The Royals, featuring actors Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar in key roles.