Veteran Bollywood actress Zeenat Aman, known for redefining glamour in Indian cinema during the 1970s and 1980s, recently made her screen comeback in Netflix’s newly released series The Royals. With high anticipation surrounding her return, fans were eager to witness her performance in a fresh, modern context. However, following its premiere on May 9, 2025, the show has drawn mixed to negative responses, leaving a significant segment of viewers disheartened.
In This Article:
About ‘The Royals’: A Modern Royal Drama
The Royals is a romantic comedy-drama set in contemporary India, centered around a once-prestigious royal family struggling to maintain their heritage and identity in a changing world. The show stars:
- Ishaan Khatter as Aviraaj Singh, a polo-loving prince.
- Bhumi Pednekar as Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, a businesswoman and CEO.
- Zeenat Aman as the royal matriarch.
- Sakshi Tanwar, Lisa Mishra, and Nora Fatehi in pivotal roles.
The plot revolves around an ambitious collaboration to convert their royal palace into a luxury resort—a plan that blends tradition with modern entrepreneurship.
Zeenat Aman: Graceful Yet Underutilized
In the role of the matriarch, Zeenat Aman displays poise and subtlety that reflect her seasoned acting skills. According to co-actor Lisa Mishra, working with her was “nothing short of a masterclass.” Aman’s dignified screen presence has received admiration even from critics who otherwise panned the show.
Despite her strong performance, many felt her character was underwritten and lacked the depth such a legendary actress deserved.
Audience Response: A Mixed Bag with Disappointment
Fans who expected a powerful comeback for Zeenat Aman voiced their dissatisfaction on social media platforms. A few common reactions included:
- “Zeenat ji deserves better writing.”
- “The plot felt hollow. Only her scenes felt watchable.”
- “Bhumi Pednekar was unbearable; the show is hard to sit through.”
Bhumi Pednekar, in particular, faced criticism for her portrayal of Sophia, which many labeled as exaggerated and disconnected from reality.
Critics Echo Fans: Great Concept, Weak Execution
Critics acknowledged the show’s attempt to create a cross-generational story, blending royal nostalgia with contemporary challenges. However, the execution fell flat due to:
- Inconsistent writing
- Shallow character arcs
- Unfocused screenplay
- Overuse of visual glamour without depth
While the costume design and sets drew praise, the story failed to generate emotional investment.
Season 2: Is There a Possibility?
Despite the critical backlash, there’s speculation about a second season. Actor Ishaan Khatter hinted at the possibility in a recent interview, although Netflix has not officially announced a renewal yet. Some fans remain hopeful that a better storyline in the next installment could revive the show’s credibility.
Key Highlights in Bullet Format
- Zeenat Aman returns to screen after years, playing a royal matriarch in The Royals.
- The series received mixed-to-negative reviews upon release.
- Bhumi Pednekar’s role and the script were harshly criticized by audiences.
- Zeenat Aman’s performance was praised, but fans felt she was underutilized.
- Hopes for Season 2 remain uncertain, but there’s room for redemption.
Moving Ahead
The Royals promised a powerful blend of heritage, romance, and modern-day ambition—but in execution, it missed the mark. For a celebrated actress like Zeenat Aman, fans expected a more profound and layered role. As the industry watches the reception unfold, the show’s creators may need to revisit their storytelling approach if they wish to retain viewer interest and do justice to icons like Aman in future episodes.
By – Nikita