# Aruna Irani

Aruna Irani (born 18 August 1946) is an Indian actress, who has acted in over 500 films throughout Hindi, Kannada, Marathi and Gujarati cinema, playing mostly supporting and character roles. She received two Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actress for Pet Pyaar Aur Paap (1984) and Beta (1992), and holds the record for the most nominations in the category (10). In January 2012, Irani was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award at the 57th Filmfare Awards.

## Early life

Aruna Irani was born in Mumbai, India to an Irani father and a Hindu mother. Her father Faredun Irani ran a drama troupe, and her mother Saguna was an actress. She is the eldest of eight siblings. She was fond of studies and wanted to become a doctor. But she had to give up studies after sixth standard because her family did not have enough money to educate all the children. She claims to have learnt dancing while working in the films because she could not afford professional training from a master. Her brothers Indra Kumar, Adi Irani and Firoz Irani are all associated with the film industry. Actress Bindu is her cousin.

## Career

Aruna Irani made her debut as a child artist in the film Gunga Jumna (1961) playing Azra's childhood character. She then acted in the film Anpadh (1962) as Mala Sinha's childhood character. She next did several small roles in films such as Jahanara (1964), Farz (1967), Upkar (1967) and Aaya Sawan Jhoomke (1969). She later acted with comedian Mehmood in films such as Aulad (1968), Humjoli (1970), Devi (1970) and Naya Zamana (1971).
In 1971, she starred in Caravan, as a knife-thrower, earning her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. She later starred in Mehmood Ali's Bombay To Goa (1972), Garam Masala (1972) and Do Phool (1973). Her films have included Farz (1967), Bobby (1973), Fakira (1976), Sargam (1979), Red Rose (1980), Love Story (1981), and Rocky (1981), earning nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for Bobby and Rocky. She also starred in Do Jhoot (1975) and Khoon Pasina (1977) which earned her two more nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.
After having lost the award five time, she won her first Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for Pet Pyaar Aur Paap (1984).
In the late 1980s and 1990s, Irani switched to playing motherly roles, notably in Beta (1992), for which she won her second Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. She earned two more nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performances in Suhaag (1994) and Kartavya (1995). She acted in the Kannada remake of the same film with the same role. Some of her Marathi films are Aandhla Marto Dola, Bhingari, Changu Mangu, Lapwa Chapvi, Ek Gadi Baki Anadi, Mitwaa and Bol Baby Bol.
She earned her record-setting tenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Ghulam-E-Mustafa (1997).
In her later career, Irani also switched to television, performing character roles in various serials. She also took up direction and production of tele-serials such as Mehndi Tere Naam Ki, Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, Rabba Ishq Na Hove, Vaidehi and more.
On 19 February 2012, she was awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.

## Personal life

She married Bollywood film director Kuku Kohli in 1990.

## Filmography

| Year | Film | Role |
| 1958 | Shikwa | |
| 1958 | Talaq | |
| 1960 | Sarhad | |
| 1961 | Gunga Jumna | Child Kamla |
| 1961 | Gungi Ladki | |
| 1962 | Tarzan The Storm | |
| 1962 | Anpadh | Child Lajwanti |
| 1963 | Zingaro | |
| 1963 | Satyavan Savitri | |
| 1963 | Parasmani | Bijli |
| 1963 | Nartaki | Lakshmi's Colleague |
| 1964 | Jahanara | |
| 1964 | Ganga Ki Lahren | |
| 1966 | Kalapi | |
| 1966 | Spy in Goa | Lilli |
| 1967 | Farz | |
| 1967 | Patthar Ke Sanam | |
| 1967 | Upkar | |
| 1968 | Anokhi Raat | |
| 1968 | Aulad | |
| 1969 | Tumse Achha Kaun Hai | |
| 1969 | Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke | |
| 1969 | Anjaan Hai Koi | |
| 1969 | Oos Raat Ke Baad | |
| 1969 | Samay Bada Balwan | |
| 1970 | Humjoli | |
| 1970 | Aan Milo Sajna | |
| 1970 | Safar | |
| 1970 | The Train | |
| 1971 | Naya Zamana | |
| 1971 | Man Mandir | |
| 1971 | Ek Paheli | |
| 1971 | Johar Mehmood in Hong Kong | |
| 1971 | Ek Naari Ek Brahmchari | |
| 1971 | Caravan | Nisha |
| 1971 | Buddha Mil Gaya | |
| 1971 | Andaz | |
| 1971 | Sanjog | |
| 1972 | Garam Masala | |
| 1972 | Bombay to Goa | |
| 1973 | Bobby | |
| 1973 | Do Phool | |
| 1974 | Prem Nagar | |
| 1974 | Roti Kapda Aur Makaan | |
| 1974 | Har Har Mahadev | |
| 1975 | Deewaar | (Uncredited) |
| 1975 | Mili | |
| 1975 | Do Jasoos | |
| 1975 | Dharamjeet (Punjabi film) | (Dual role) |
| 1975 | Khel Khel Mein | |
| 1975 | Ranga Khush | |
| 1976 | Santo Banto (Punjabi film) | Santo / Banto (dual role) |
| 1976 | Sankoch | |
| 1976 | Bhanwar | |
| 1976 | Charas | |
| 1976 | Sangram | |
| 1976 | Fakira | |
| 1976 | Zindagi | Sudha N. Shukla |
| 1976 | Laila Majnu | Zarina |
| 1976 | Rangaa Aur Raja | |
| 1976 | Apnapan | |
| 1976 | Duniyadaari | |
| 1976 | Do Chehere | |
| 1976 | Khoon Pasina | |
| 1976 | Jadu Tona | |
| 1978 | Shalimar | |
| 1978 | Khoon Ki Pukaar | |
| 1979 | Gol Maal | |
| 1979 | Jaani Dushman | |
| 1979 | Kartavya | Lachhi |
| 1979 | Surakshaa | Ruby |
| 1980 | Beqasoor | |
| 1980 | Karz | |
| 1980 | Kali Ghata | Pinky |
| 1980 | Morcha | |
| 1980 | Qurbani | |
| 1980 | Judaai | Miss Lily, dancer |
| 1980 | Phir Wohi Raat | Shobha |
| 1980 | Hum Paanch | Nishi |
| 1980 | Jwalamukhi | |
| 1981 | Kaaran | |
| 1981 | Aas Paas | |
| 1981 | Commander | |
| 1981 | Rocky | |
| 1981 | Jyoti | |
| 1981 | Love Story | |
| 1981 | Thee (Tamil film) | Item dancer |
| 1981 | Yaarana | |
| 1981 | Kudrat | |
| 1981 | Ammakkorumma | |
| 1981 | Lawaaris | |
| 1982 | Angoor | |
| 1982 | Bemisal | |
| 1982 | Brij Bhoomi | |
| 1983 | Ek Din Bahu Ka | |
| 1983 | Bade Dil Wala | |
| 1983 | Thai Veedu (Tamil film) | |
| 1983 | Jhutha Sach | |
| 1983 | Mawali | |
| 1984 | Pet Pyaar Aur Paap | |
| 1984 | Ghar Ek Mandir | |
| 1985 | Paththar | Nirmala |
| 1985 | Masterji | |
| 1985 | Patthar Dil | |
| 1985 | Bhago Bhut Aaya | Nirmala / Manorama |
| 1985 | Aaj Ka Daur | |
| 1985 | Piya Ke Gaon | |
| 1985 | Dikri Chaali Sasariye | |
| 1985 | Lallu Ram | Champa |
| 1986 | Naache Mayuri | |
| 1987 | Insaniyat Ke Dushman | |
| 1988 | Dayavan | |
| 1988 | Ek Gadi Baaki Anadi | |
| 1988 | Janam Janam | |
| 1988 | Mera Muqaddar | Shanti |
| 1988 | Mere Baad | |
| 1988 | Inteqam | |
| 1988 | Bees Saal Baad | |
| 1988 | Zulm Ko Jala Doonga | |
| 1988 | Shahenshah | |
| 1989 | ChaalBaaz | |
| 1989 | Na Insaafi | Sharda Khanna |
| 1990 | Changu Mangu (Marathi film) | |
| 1990 | Majboor | |
| 1990 | Doodh Ka Karz (Hindi & Marathi) | |
| 1990 | Bandh Darwaza | Mahua Daayan Kunka |
| 1990 | Jungle Love | |
| 1991 | Brahmarshi Vishwamitra | |
| 1991 | Phool Aur Kaante | |
| 1991 | Shanti Kranti | |
| 1992 | Kisme Kitna Hai Dum | Vijay Singh's wife |
| 1992 | Lambu Dada | |
| 1992 | Beta | |
| 1992 | Umar 55 Ki Dil Bachpan Ka | |
| 1992 | Jeena Marna Tere Sang | |
| 1993 | Annayya (Kannada film) | Nagamani |
| 1993 | Hum Hain Kamaal Ke | |
| 1994 | Anokha Premyudh | |
| 1994 | Fauj | Durga |
| 1994 | Raja Babu | |
| 1994 | Laadla | |
| 1994 | Suhaag | |
| 1995 | Bewafa Sanam | |
| 1996 | Indian | Gulabo (Hindi version only) |
| 1996 | Chhote Sarkar | |
| 1997 | Hameshaa | |
| 1997 | Dil To Pagal Hai | |
| 1998 | Saaz | |
| 1998 | Saazish | |
| 1998 | Kudrat | |
| 1998 | Doli Saja Ke Rakhna | |
| 1999 | Zulmi | |
| 1999 | Haseena Maan Jaayegi | |
| 1999 | Aarzoo | |
| 2002 | Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam | Laxmi |
| 2010 | Khatta Meetha | |
| 2014 | Bol Baby Bol (Marathi film) | |
| 2015 | Mitwaa | Rosie aunty |
| 2019 | Chaal Jeevi Laiye! (Gujarati film) | Dr. Vadia (guest appearance) |
| 2022 | Kahani Rubberband Ki | |
| 2024 | Ghudchadi | Kalyani Devi |

## Television shows

| Year | Show | Character | Notes |
| 1995-1997 | Zamana Badal Gaya | Veena | Lead |
| 2001-2005 | Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand | Teji | Also as a producer under AK Films |
| 2000–2002 | Mehndi Tere Naam Ki | Sharada Jayant Malik | Also as a producer under AK Films |
| 2003–2005 | Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahaan | Shalini Avinash Mathur | Also as a producer under AK Films |
| 2005-2006 | Zameen Se Aassman Tak | Balraj's Mother | Also as a producer under AK Films |
| 2005-2006 | Rabba Ishq Na Hove | Veera's Mother | Also as a producer under AK Films |
| 2006 | Vaidehi | Sita | Also as a producer under AK Films |
| 2006-2007 | Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki | Narayani Devi | Balaji Telefilms |
| 2007 | Maayka | Durga Khurana | |
| 2007-2009 | Babul Ki Bitiya Chali Doli Saja Ke | Dadima | Also as a producer under AK Films |
| 2007-2009 | Naaginn | Maasa/ Triveni | Also as a producer under AK Films |
| 2008 | Saas v/s Bahu | Judge | |
| 2009-2011 | Jhansi Ki Rani | Vahini Sahiba | |
| 2010-2011 | Sanjog Se Bani Sangini | Rajrani | |
| 2011-2012 | Dekha Ek Khwaab | Rajmata Mrinalini Devi | Lead |
| 2011-2012 | Main Lakshmi Tere Aangan Ki | Sharda Agnihotri | |
| 2012 | Parichay — Nayee Zindagi Kay Sapno Ka | Sulekha Diwan | |
| 2013–2014 | Sanskaar - Dharohar Apno Ki | Ansuya Vaishnav | |
| 2015-2016 | Bhagyalakshmi | Vasundhara Prajapati | |
| 2015 | Uzalo | Producer of AK Films | Producer |
| 2016 | Saubhagyalakshmi | Vasundhara Prajapati | |
| 2018 | Porus | The Oracle | |
| 2018-2019 | Dastaan-E-Mohabbat Salim Anarkali | Hamida Banu Begum (Mariam Makani) | |
| 2019 | Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji | Mrs Khosla | |
| 2019 | The Kapil Sharma Show | Herself | |
| 2019 | Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai | Herself | |

## Awards and nominations
### Film

| Year | Award | Film | Category | Result |
| 1972 | Filmfare Awards | Caravan | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated |
| 1974 | Filmfare Awards | Bobby | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated |
| 1976 | Filmfare Awards | Do Jhoot | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated |
| 1978 | Filmfare Awards | Khoon Pasina | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated |
| 1982 | Filmfare Awards | Rocky | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated |
| 1985 | Filmfare Awards | Pet Pyaar Aur Paap | Best Supporting Actress | Won |
| 1993 | Filmfare Awards | Beta | Best Supporting Actress | Won |
| 1995 | Filmfare Awards | Suhaag | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated |
| 1996 | Filmfare Awards | Kartavya | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated |
| 1998 | Filmfare Awards | Ghulam-E-Mustafa | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated |
| 2012 | Filmfare Awards | — | Lifetime Achievement Award | Won |
| 1993 | Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards | Beta | Best Supporting Actress (Hindi) | Won |
| 2020 | Maharashtra State Film Awards | — | Raj Kapoor Award | Honoured |

### Television

| Year | Award | Show | Category | Result |
| 2003 | Indian Telly Awards | Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand | Best Weekly Show | Won |
| 2003 | Indian Telly Awards | Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand | Best Programme of the Year | Won |
| 2003 | Indian Telly Awards | Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand | Best Director | Won |
| 2004 | Indian Telly Awards | Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Nominated |
| 2006 | Indian Telly Awards | Vaidehi | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Nominated |
| 2007 | Indian Telly Awards | Maayka | Best Actress in a Negative Role | Nominated |
| 2008 | Gold Awards | Naaginn | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Won |