Aruna Irani is an Indian actress of mixed Irani Zoroastrian and Hindu background. An accomplished actress and dancer of her time, Aruna Irani has acted in about 300 movies, with many memorable acting performances to her credit. Irani is the sister of film-maker Indra Kumar.
She is married to film director Kuku Kohli.Born in 1952, Irani made her debut in the movie Gunga Jumna (1961) when she was nine years old playing Vyjayantimala’s character as a child. After doing several small roles in films like Jahanara (1964), Farz (1967), Upkar (1967) and Aaya Sawan Jhoomke (1969), and pairing with comedian Mehmood in films like Aulad (1968), Humjoli (1970), and Naya Zamana (1971).
She finally shot to fame with her brilliant performance as an aggressive gypsy woman in the super hit Caravan (1971) who has acted in over 500 films throughout Hindi, Kannada, Marathi and Gujarati cinema, playing mostly supporting and character roles. She next did several small roles in films such as Jahanara.
The success as a heroine still eluded her, and ironically, the newer actors and actresses who she supported became stars while acting with her:
She has danced in the songs “Thoda Resham Lagta Hai” from film Jyoti, “Chadti Jawani Meri Chaal Mastani“, “Dilbar Dilse Pyare”, “Ab Jo Mile Hai” from film Caravan, “Main Shayar To Nahi” from film Bobby and “Apni To Jaise Taise” from film “Lawaaris” amongst others.
Her performance in both films won her nomination at Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Role. She holds the record for winning maximum nominations in this category and received the award twice for her roles in Pet Pyaar Aur Paap and Beta. In January 2012, she was honoured with Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award at the 57th Filmfare Awards function.
