It has only been five months since she joined Instagram, but Zeenat Aman is already a social media darling. Her throwback posts and reflections on her years in the industry are authentic and a welcome change from the cookie-cutter posts on the gram. Now, there’s good news for those who want to see more of the 71-year-old actor. Aman, who was last seen in a cameo in Panipat (2019), is returning to the screen with Faraz Arif Ansari’s next, Bun Tikki.

For his first feature film after the acclaimed short, Sheer Qorma (2021), the writer-director has rounded up an impressive cast—Aman, Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol. The movie, centred on a father and his pre-teen son, explores gender identity.

A source from the creative team reveals, “Though Bun Tikki revolves around Abhay and his on-screen son, Shabana and Zeenat form the film’s backbone. Casting for the child is underway. When Faraz approached Zeenat, she loved the script. She always knew that if she made a comeback, it would be with a story that aligned with her ideas and beliefs. Bun Tikki was just that. She told Faraz that she had to be a part of this film as it explores many causes that she feels strongly about.”

The project marks couturier Manish Malhotra’s foray into production, as he launches his banner Stage 5 with three movies. “The film is far removed from the glamorous image that Manish has. But the subject resonated with him. Through his productions, he wants to support lesser-heard stories and voices.”