She debuted in Bollywood with a cameo role in O.P.Ralhan's film Hulchul in 1971. Her second outing in the movie Hungama in 1971 was equally unsuccessful.
She was ready to admit defeat when Dev Anand offered the role of his sister to Zeenat as a last minute choice, for his film Hare Rama Hare Krishna in 1972.
Though the role was a secondary one but is remembered even today and is still associated with this landmark movie. Her performance fetched her prestigious Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award.