To me, marriage was imperative for motherhood.

Otherwise, you give your child the stigma of illegitimacy," Zeenat said in an interview. She opted for marriage when she was at the top. "I desperately wanted to be a mother. And to have a family, you have to be married, the actress said.

The lissome Zeenat made a faltering start with Hare Rama Hare Krishna and later became the oomph girl of Bollywood with her skin show on screen.

Excerpts from an interview:

The entire nation continues to have a crush on you. Even now, actresses are compared with you.

It's such a wonderful thing to hear, thank you very much. I feel very special when I'm told girls look up to me.

Why aren't you seen on screen more often?

Honestly, I have not been offered anything substantial. The past years of my life have been devoted to my two sons. I've been so immersed in the task of being a single parent that I haven't really given anything else a serious thought. I'm open to roles. But nobody is knocking my door down (laughs heartily)

Do you watch the new films?

I want to see Saawariya. I saw Om Shanti Om It goes back to 'my' era. And I loved it! I got most of the in-house jokes. I thought it was an irreverent funny film.

Do you think we need to be more reverent about the past?

Oh nonsense! I've two of the most irreverent kids in my house. They poke fun at everything. I enjoy irreverence. One can't take oneself seriously. Just enjoy the moment.

You've gone through very trying times....

They've made me stronger. There's no fixed pattern to life. No one is going to guarantee only happiness. There'll be downs. The trick is to ride the downs and not get carried away by the highs.

You were right at the top when you opted for marriage and motherhood. Is that what all actresses should do?
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I can't speak for other actresses. But yes, I desperately wanted to be a mother. I had no siblings. I was the only child. After 15 years in the movie business, I was ready to have my own family.

Tell us about your sons. Are you a friend to them?

Azaan is 21 and studying direction in Britain while Zahaan, 17, is into culinary arts. I've told my sons, this is their home and they're free to bring any friends here. I don't want them doing anything on street corners. I'm there for them, though I give them their space.

Have you forgiven the men who have been nasty to you?

(Laughs) I don't dwell on the past.

Don't dodge the question, Zeenat. Have you forgiven the men who ill-treated you?

(After a silence) Yes, I've forgiven them completely. I see no point in harbouring grudges. I'd rather not have any negativity within me. It's all gone, washed away. With every passing year it's only the here and the now that seems important.