Zeenat Aman, a name synonymous with glamour and a progressive, Westernized image in Bollywood during the 1970s and 80s, recently shared a surprising revelation: she never considered herself beautiful. This confession comes from a woman who won a beauty pageant, starred as a leading lady in numerous films by acclaimed directors, and was widely celebrated as a "sex symbol".

In a recent Instagram post, Aman shared a picture from her younger days, musing, "Sometimes I see an old picture of myself and think 'you weren't a bad looking girl, Ms. Aman!'". However, she admitted that she never personally felt beautiful, though she acknowledged and utilized the "pretty privilege" she experienced. She recognized that the world can be a difficult place, and she learned to leverage every advantage she had to navigate it.

Aman reflected on the potential reasons behind her inability to fully embrace her physical appearance. She suggested that the constant emphasis on her looks might have depleted her emotional self-worth or that she was more focused on performing beauty rather than genuinely feeling it. She also considered the possibility that she feared becoming arrogant and viewed it as vain to consider herself beautiful. Ultimately, she believes it was likely a combination of these factors.

Her sentiment echoes a broader phenomenon where individuals, even those widely considered beautiful, struggle with their self-image. Aman pointed out that she often sees beautiful people who don't perceive themselves as such, often deflecting compliments by focusing on perceived flaws. This observation led her to conclude that physical beauty, regardless of how widely acknowledged, is meaningless without self-validation.

This isn't an isolated sentiment among women who've achieved great heights. Priyanka Chopra, another Bollywood icon and Miss World 2000 winner, has spoken about her own insecurities and journey to self-acceptance. She described herself as a "gawky kid" with low self-esteem and "white marks on her legs," emphasizing that hard work, rather than inherent beauty, was the key to her success.

Aman's message is a powerful reminder that true beauty comes from within. She encourages everyone to step outside of their own minds and view themselves through the eyes of someone who loves them. By doing so, individuals may recognize their own light and realize that no cosmetic enhancement can rival the transformative power of self-acceptance.

The experiences of Zeenat Aman and Priyanka Chopra highlight the complex relationship between external validation and internal perception. Despite achieving accolades for their beauty and talent, both women have, at times, struggled to reconcile their public image with their personal feelings. Their stories underscore the importance of self-love and acceptance in a world often preoccupied with external appearances.