Aruna Irani
Actor
About Aruna Irani
Aruna Irani is an Indian actress who began her career as a child artist in the early 1960s and went on to become one of Bollywood's most prolific supporting actresses. She made her debut in the film Ganga Jamuna (1961) and gained early recognition with Parasmani (1963), where she showcased her dancing abilities. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Irani established herself as a versatile performer, excelling in both comic and dramatic supporting roles across hundreds of films. Her breakthrough came with films like Bobby (1973), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), and Sargam (1979), where her performances earned critical acclaim. She won multiple Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actress, cementing her status as one of the industry's most reliable character actresses. In the 1990s, she continued delivering memorable performances in films like Beta (1992) and Raja Babu (1994). Later in her career, she transitioned to television production with her husband, creating successful TV shows while occasionally appearing in films.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for her versatility in both comic and dramatic roles, Aruna Irani specialized in supporting characters with strong emotional depth. Her acting style combined impeccable comic timing with the ability to portray complex emotions, making her equally effective in comedic and serious roles. She particularly excelled in mother figures and vamp characters, bringing authenticity and nuance to each performance.
Milestones
- Film debut in Ganga Jamuna (1961)
- Breakthrough role in Parasmani (1963)
- First Filmfare Award for Pet Pyar Aur Paap (1984)
- Multiple Filmfare Awards in the 1990s
- Transition to television production
- Over 300 film appearances
- Successful career spanning six decades
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress - Pet Pyar Aur Paap (1984)
- Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress - Beta (1993)
- Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress - Raja Babu (1995)
Nominated
- Filmfare Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress - Jawaani Jaaneman (1984)
- Filmfare Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress - Aaj Ki Awaaz (1984)
- Filmfare Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress - Sadaa Suhagan (1986)
Special Recognition
- Filmfare Award for Lifetime Achievement (2012)
- Indian Television Academy Awards for her production work
- Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Aruna Irani significantly impacted Indian cinema by redefining the importance of supporting roles in Bollywood films. Her ability to seamlessly transition between comic and serious roles demonstrated that character actors could be as crucial to a film's success as leads. She broke stereotypes by playing strong, independent women characters in an era when female supporting roles were often limited to traditional stereotypes. Her success paved the way for future generations of character actresses to gain recognition and respect in the industry.
Lasting Legacy
Aruna Irani's legacy lies in her extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema as one of the most prolific and versatile supporting actresses. With over 300 films to her credit, she has created an indelible mark on Bollywood's golden era and beyond. Her successful transition from acting to production demonstrated adaptability and business acumen, inspiring many actors to explore diverse roles in the entertainment industry. She remains a respected figure in Indian cinema, known for her professionalism and dedication to the craft.
Who They Inspired
Irani influenced numerous upcoming actresses by demonstrating that supporting roles could be both artistically fulfilling and commercially successful. Her comic timing and emotional depth set a benchmark for character actresses in Bollywood. Many contemporary actresses cite her as an inspiration for taking on diverse roles beyond conventional lead parts. Her work ethic and longevity in the industry have made her a role model for maintaining relevance across decades of changing cinematic trends.
Off Screen
Aruna Irani married film director Sandesh Kohli in 1985, and the couple has two sons together. Her marriage marked a significant personal milestone after years of focusing on her acting career. She balanced her family life with her professional commitments, eventually transitioning into television production alongside her husband. Her sons, Kavin and Karan Kohli, have also been involved in the entertainment industry.
Education
Limited formal education due to early entry into films as a child artist
Family
- Sandesh Kohli (1985-present)
Did You Know?
- Started her career as a child artist at age 9
- Has appeared in over 300 films in her career
- Won three Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actress
- Was initially offered the lead role in Bobby but declined
- Famous for her dancing abilities in early films
- Successfully transitioned to television production in the 1990s
- Known for her professional approach and punctuality on sets
- Worked with three generations of Kapoor family actors
- Her production company produced several successful TV shows
- Received Lifetime Achievement Award from Filmfare in 2012
In Their Own Words
I never saw myself as a supporting actress. For me, every role was important and I gave it my all.
Success in films is not about being the hero or heroine, it's about making an impact with whatever role you get.
The audience has always been my biggest strength, and I'm grateful for their love over six decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Aruna Irani?
Aruna Irani is a highly accomplished Indian actress who has appeared in over 300 films, primarily known for her versatile supporting roles in Bollywood cinema from the 1960s through the 2000s. She later became a successful television producer with her husband Sandesh Kohli.
What films is Aruna Irani best known for?
Aruna Irani is best known for her performances in Parasmani (1963), Bobby (1973), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), Sargam (1979), Love Story (1981), Beta (1992), and Raja Babu (1994). She won Filmfare Awards for her supporting roles in Pet Pyar Aur Paap, Beta, and Raja Babu.
When was Aruna Irani born?
Aruna Irani was born on August 18, 1946, in Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India (now Mumbai, India). She is still alive as of 2024.
What awards did Aruna Irani win?
Aruna Irani won three Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actress for Pet Pyar Aur Paap (1984), Beta (1993), and Raja Babu (1995). She also received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 for her contributions to Indian cinema.
What was Aruna Irani's acting style?
Aruna Irani was known for her versatile acting style, excelling in both comic and dramatic roles. She had impeccable comic timing and could portray complex emotions with depth, making her equally effective as comic side characters, mother figures, and antagonist roles.
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Films
1 film
