From Zeenat Aman to Dharmendra, older Bolly actors who are ruling Instagram

Updated On: 21 August, 2023 11:35 AM IST | Harshita Kale

The Indian film industry is witnessing a significant shift, as veteran actors make a comeback both on screen and in the public sphere. Leveraging social media platforms to engage with the modern audience has become essential. Recently, acclaimed actresses Zeenat Aman and Saira Banu joined Instagram, much to the delight of their fans. These retro greats are resonating even with audiences who might not have watched them on the big screen and staying relevant by sharing anecdotes and photographs about their cinematic and personal life. Amassing massive fan followings, these Bollywood actors have become no less than trendy and youthful Instagram influencers, but better because of their clear-eyed, wise gaze of a veteran. Take a look below and spot some of your favourites! (All Photos/Instagram)

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The Indian film industry is witnessing a significant shift, as veteran actors make a comeback both on screen and in the public sphere. Leveraging social media platforms to engage with the modern audience has become essential. Recently, acclaimed actresses Zeenat Aman and Saira Banu joined Instagram, much to the delight of their fans. These retro greats are resonating even with audiences who might not have watched them on the big screen and staying relevant by sharing anecdotes and photographs about their cinematic and personal life. Amassing massive fan followings, these Bollywood actors have become no less than trendy and youthful Instagram influencers, but better because of their clear-eyed, wise gaze of a veteran. Take a look below and spot some of your favourites! (All Photos/Instagram)

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Zeenat Aman Zeenat Aman, as she mentions in her bio, is a `maverick` in the truest sense of the word. The actress has been lauded for being ahead of her times by critics and audiences ever since her edgy roles in films like `Satyam Shivam Sundaram.` In a superficial and fleeting social media world, Aman has emerged as a voice of poignance and sincerity, In an interview with Vogue, she responded to fans` delight at her `second innings` on social media by saying "I, for one, do not see it as such. This is not a comeback. I never went away." What sass!

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Zeenat Aman often shares pictures from the sets of her older films and accompanies them with eloquently written, engaging anecdotes. Aman shared this photo with Rekha celebrating her friendship with the reclusive actress. Fans immediately put on their detective caps and tracked down where this picture was from

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Zeenat Aman also leverages social media to dispense honest and vulnerable life advice, in the most non-preachy way possible. She also raises awareness about important causes such as education and animal rights - her fresh and relevant take on current trends have made her very popular with the public

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Saira Banu Saira Banu made her Instagram debut to remember her husband, Dilip Kumar on his death anniversary earlier this year. She shared a beautiful black-and-white photograph of them and penned a few Urdu couplets in his memory

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Since then, Banu has shared several photos of herself with her `Sahib,` as she fondly addressed her husband. She often shares her favourite things and anecdotes about her late husband - be it his gentlemanly nature, work ethic or stunning cinematic performances

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In sharing one such film still from `Sagina` starring Dilip Kumar, Saira Banu shared that this is one of her most memorable performances of the late actor. She fondly recalled how Sahib had set up a badminton court near the film sets for the entire cast and crew to unwind, play and have conversations after a long day

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Neetu Kapoor Neetu Kapoor celebrated her birthday on July 8. Fans loved seeing candid throwback pictures from the actress` family album. Neetu is very active on Instagram and often shares photos with her children. She also expressed her love and blessing`s for her son Ranbir Kapoor`s union with Alia Bhatt

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Neetu Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor were arguably one of tinsel town`s favourite reel and real life couples. Neetu treated fans to a rare candid photo from what seems like an adventure trip, as well as a fun moment with her late husband. These two have gone through life together - and fans love seeing memories from their long cinematic and personal journey on Instagram

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Dharmendra Veteran actor Dharmendra is everyone`s favourite dadaji and is still full of josh! Dharam ji makes sure to keep his massive fan following in the loop about his everyday life - be it behind-the-scenes moments from the Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani set, celebrating his son Sunny Deol`s `Gadar 2` success or reciting soulful poetry

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These never-seen-before pictures from our favourite films is what fans anticipate most. Take a look at some heartwarming moments of Dharmendra with Kumkum, Sanjay Dutt and Dev Anand. All the greats in one frame!

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Heartthrob Dharmendra posing in style! Dharam ji seems to have become nostalgic looking at old album pictures capturing memories of his filmography

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Deepti Naval Deepti Naval has aged like fine wine and exudes timeless grace in every photo. In frame, she is with her with fellow `Goldfish` co-star, Kalki Koechlin. `Goldfish` revolves around an Alzheminer`s riddled-mother and her complex relationship with her daughter. Deepti Naval said that she could personally resonate deeply with her character because of her real-life tryst with the disease

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Deepti Naval also shared some throwback pictures of a herself as a young beauty with her first love - dance. She captioned the photo, "This photo of mine from my teenage years where I talk about the time I was learning dancing and loved every moment of it!" This photo also appears in her memoir, `A Country Called Childhood`

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Dalip Tahil There are some who cannot understand memes, and then there is Dalip Tahil who is perfectly in the loop about modern-day sarcasm and humour. It`s not just the young generation - Tahil and no qualms about posting `fit checks` in his debonair outfits and we love his confidence! He also posts funny reels which resonate with Gen-Z - he posted one captioned `on my way to get back the Kohinoor` when in London!

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Dalip Tahil also posts pictures with others in the film and entertainment fraternity. He posted a fanboy moment with Farhan Akhtar and credited him with bringing the `aag` in `Bhaag Milkha Bhaag`

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And here`s one with Rajdeep Sardesai!

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Ashish Vidyarthi Ashish Vidyarthi is known to share his travel experiences on Instagram. The actor is a major foodie and him trying out various regional delicacies often feature on his social media handles. He shared what it felt like to be on a coffee bean plantation!

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The selfie camera is Ashish Vidyarthi`s favourite. He captures the wonders of the natural world (and his beloved ones) through his handy-dandy phone

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Amitabh Bachchan How can we forget the one, the only - Amit Ji in this listicle? Amitabh Bachchan is one of the Bollywood`s seniormost and was also one of the earliest to actively engage with his fans through social media platforms - starting with his blog, Twitter, and now Instagram! Sr. Bachchan seems super happy to have successfully wrapped up a recording session

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Amitabh Bachchan has maintained his Sunday `Jalsa` tradition since decades where he steps out of his Mumbai residence to greet fans who travel from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the famed icon. He has often referred to these brief moments of encounter as cherished and precious, likening them to entering a temple - no wonder he is equal parts revered and adored throughout India

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Neena Gupta We all want an uber-cool grandmother like Neena Gupta. Who can forget her unconventional and snazzy performance in `Lust Stories 2` where she advocated for a live-in relationship before setting the relationship in legal stone?

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Neena Gupta also shared photos from her travels and experiences around the country. Fans love to keep up with the lives of older stars - it is also the perfect nostalgia trip as fans remember their evergreen performances on the silver screen

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