Aruna Irani (born 18 August 1946) is an Indian actress, who has acted in over 300 films in Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati cinema, mostly playing supporting and character roles. She has danced in the songs "Thoda Resham Lagta Hai" from the film Jyoti (1981); "Chadti Jawani Meri Chaal Mastani ", "Dilbar Dilse Pyare", and "Ab Jo Mile Hai" from the film Caravan (1971); and "Main Shayar To Nahi" from the film Bobby (1973). Her performances won her nomination at Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Role. She holds the record for winning the maximum nominations (10) in this category and received the award twice for her roles in Pet Pyaar Aur Paap (1985) and Beta (1993). In January 2012, she was honoured with Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award at the 57th Filmfare Awards.
Aruna Irani was born on 18 August 1946 in Mumbai , India. Her father Faredun Irani ran a drama troupe, and her mother Saguna was an actress. She is eldest of eight siblings, and gave up studies after sixth standard because her family did not have enough money to educate all the children.
Irani made her debut in the movie Ganga Jamuna (1961) playing childhood Azra's character. Then she acted in movie Anpadh (1962) as childhood Mala Sinha 's character. After doing several small roles in films like Jahanara (1964), Farz (1967), Upkar (1967) and Aaya Sawan Jhoomke (1969). She later acted with comedian Mehmood Ali in films like Aulad (1968), Humjoli (1970), Devi (1970) and Naya Zamana (1971).
In 1971, she starred in Caravan . She latered 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).
She won her first Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award 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 Best Supporting Actress Award. She acted in the Kannada remake of the same film and the same role. Some of her Marathi films are Aandhla Marto Dola , Bhingari , Changu Mangu , Lapwa Chapvi , Ek Gadi Baki Anadi and Bol Baby Bol .
In her later career, Irani also switched to television performing character roles in various serials. She also took up to direction and production of tele-serials like Mehndi Tere Naam Ki , Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand , Rabba Ishq Na Hove ,Vaidehi and more.
On 19 February 2012, she was awarded the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the annual Filmfare awards function in Mumbai.
Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award – Won 1985 Pet Pyaar Aur Paap – Janaki 1993 Beta – Laxmi Devi Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award – Nomination 1972 Caravan – Nisha 1974 Bobby – Nima 1976 Do Jhoot 1978 Khoon Pasina – Shantimohan Sharma/Shanti "Shanno" Devi 1982 Rocky – Kathy D'Souza 1995 Suhaag – Asha R. Sharma 1996 Kartavya (1995 film) – Gayetridevi Singh 1998 Ghulam-E-Mustafa – Bhagyalaxmi Dixit Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award 2012 Actress
-
Purab Ki Laila Paschim Ka Chaila: Hello India (announced)
2023
Ghudchadi (filming) as
Kalyani Devi
-
Babul Ki Bitiya Chali Doli Saja Ke (TV Series) as
Mrs. Singhania (Dadi Maa) (2007-2009)
2022
Kahani Rubberband Ki as
Karuna Razdan
2019
Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji (TV Series) as
Beeji
- Pratap Wants Happy Gone (2019) - Beeji
- Rocky Feels Threatened By Aliya (2019) - Beeji
- Happy's Firm Resolve (2019) - Beeji
2019
Chaal Jeevi Laiye as
Dr. Vadia
2019
Chalo Saaf Karein (TV Series) as
Dadi
2018
Dastaan-E-Mohabbat: Salim Anarkali (TV Series) as
Hamida Banu Begum
- Salim Is Angry With Akbar - Hamida Banu Begum
- The Onset Of An Epic Love Saga - Hamida Banu Begum
- Salim Yearns To Meet Anarkali - Hamida Banu Begum
- An Emotional Reunion - Hamida Banu Begum
- Anarkali Is Heartbroken - Hamida Banu Begum
- Saifu Faces An Intervention - Hamida Banu Begum
- Salim Ridicules Akbar's Throne - Hamida Banu Begum
- Saifu Jhillan Are Humiliated - Hamida Banu Begum
- Ruqaiya Begum Plots Against Salim - Hamida Banu Begum
- A Stumbling Block In Salim's Way - Hamida Banu Begum
2017
Masti Nahi Sasti as
Mrs. Lajwanti Choudhary
2015
Bhagyalaxmi (TV Series) as
Vasundhara Prajapati
2015
Lapwa Chhapwi as
Shobha Malini
2013
Sanskar Dharohar Apno Ki (TV Series) as
Anusuya Dhansukhlal Vaishnav / Ansu Baa
- Jai Kishan makes his final decision (2013) - Anusuya Dhansukhlal Vaishnav / Ansu Baa
- Kishan decides to go to the US (2013) - Anusuya Dhansukhlal Vaishnav / Ansu Baa
- Jai Kishan takes a positive stand (2013) - Anusuya Dhansukhlal Vaishnav / Ansu Baa
- Jai Kishan strives to follow Dadaji's words (2013) - Anusuya Dhansukhlal Vaishnav / Ansu Baa
- It's Gujarat Calling for Jai! (2013) - Anusuya Dhansukhlal Vaishnav / Ansu Baa
- Vaishnav's get to the next level of happiness and challenges - Anusuya Dhansukhlal Vaishnav / Ansu Baa
- Vaishav's cope with their big loss - Anusuya Dhansukhlal Vaishnav / Ansu Baa
- Will Bhoomi escape the evil eye? - Anusuya Dhansukhlal Vaishnav / Ansu Baa
- Bhoomi's accident leads to her untimely death! - Anusuya Dhansukhlal Vaishnav / Ansu Baa
- Chandrika's sons plot against Jai Kishan - Anusuya Dhansukhlal Vaishnav / Ansu Baa
2011
Dekha Ek Khwaab (TV Series) as
Rajmata Mrinalini Devi
2012
Parichay: Nayee Zindagi Kay Sapno Ka (TV Series) as
Sulekha Diwan
- Anand Qualifies For The Talent Competition (2012) - Sulekha Diwan
- Veena And Raj's Fierce Argument (2012) - Sulekha Diwan
- Siddhi Gets The Shock Of Her Life (2012) - Sulekha Diwan
- Siddhi Behaves Strangely With Kunal (2012) - Sulekha Diwan
2011
Main Lakshmi Tere Angaan Ki (TV Series)
2010
Sanjog Se Bani Sangini (TV Series) as
Rajrani Singh Rawat
- Episode #1.1 - Rajrani Singh Rawat
2010
Khatta Meetha as
Sheetal R. Tichkule
2009
Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani... Jhansi Ki Rani (TV Series) as
Vahini Sahib
2008
Yaar Meri Zindagi as
Bindya
2008
Mission: The Last War
2007
Maayka: Saath Zindagi Bhar Ka (TV Series) as
Durga Khurana
2007
Naaginn: Waadon Ki Agniparikshaa (TV Series) as
Triveni Singh
- Episode #1.2 - Triveni Singh
- Episode #1.1 - Triveni Singh
2006
Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii (TV Series) as
Narayani Devi
2006
Vaidehi (TV Series) as
Sita Harshvardhan Jaisingh
- Episode #1.1 - Sita Harshvardhan Jaisingh
2005
Rabba Ishq Na Hove (TV Series) as
Reema / Reema (2005-2006)
2001
Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand (TV Series) as
Teji Rajinder Singh Kent
2004
Zameen Se Aassman Tak (TV Series)
2003
Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahaan (TV Series) as
Shalini Avinash Mathur
- Episode #1.103 - Shalini Avinash Mathur
- Episode #1.102 - Shalini Avinash Mathur
- Episode #1.101 - Shalini Avinash Mathur
- Episode #1.100 - Shalini Avinash Mathur
- Episode #1.1 - Shalini Avinash Mathur
2002
Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam as
Laxmi
2002
Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa as
Karan's mom
2001
Hum Deewane Pyar Ke as
Mrs. Maya Avninash Roy
2001
Censor as
Mrs. Nandini Shiv Prasad
2000
Mehndi Tere Naam Ki (TV Series) as
Sharda Jayant Malik
2000
Beti No. 1 as
Durga D. Bhatnagar
2000
Bulandi as
Manorama (Jagannath's mother)
1999
Haseena Maan Jaayegi as
Santho Verma
1999
Hote Hote Pyar Hogaya as
Buaji
1999
Phool Aur Aag as
Deva's mother (as Aroona Irani)
1999
Zulmi as
Sumitra Dutt (as Aroona Irani)
1999
Anari No. 1 as
Mrs. Sharda Saxena (as Aroona Irani)
1999
Silsila Hai Pyar Ka as
Shakuntala Devi (as Aroona Irani)
1999
Aarzoo as
Mama Lucy (uncredited)
1998
Doli Saja Ke Rakhna as
Mrs. Sinh
1998
Iski Topi Uske Sarr as
Gayetri
1997
Ghulam-E-Musthafa as
Bhagyalaxmi Dixit
1997
Melody as
Mansi Vrundavan (Maan Didi)
1997
Qahar as
Kanta (Amar's mom)
1997
Dil To Pagal Hai as
Nisha's Dai
1997
Do Ankhen Barah Hath as
Sharda
1996
Aurat Aurat Aurat as
Aruna
1996
Ek Tha Raja as
Mrs. Anjana Lalchand Dogra (as Aroona Iarani)
1996
Chhote Sarkar as
Amar's aunt
1996
Tere Mere Sapne (TV Series)
1996
Indian as
Gulabo Ram. Khilawan (Hindi version only)
1995
Kartavya as
Gayetridevi Singh
1995
Raghuveer as
Judge Gayetri
1995
Zamana Badal Gaya (TV Series) as
Veena Mathur (1995)
1995
Haqeeqat as
Mrs. David (Landlady) (as Aroona Irani)
1995
Kalyug Ke Avtaar as
Pratap's Mother
1995
Bewafa Sanam as
Mrs. Aruna Saxena
1994
Gopi Kishan as
Geeta R. Choudhary
1994
Suhaag as
Asha R. Sharma / Asha R. Malhotra (as Aroona Irani)
1994
Laadla as
Bannobi (Sheetal's nanny)
1994
Insaniyat as
Courtsean who abducted Shalu
1994
Raja Babu as
Mrs. Janki Singh (Raja's mom)
1993
Aasoo Bane Angaarey as
Radha Verma / Mrs. Shyamsunder
1993
Jeevan Ki Shatranj as
Police Inspector
1993
Zakhmo Ka Hisaab as
Mrs. Kamini Kumar
1993
Professor Ki Padosan as
Manda
1993
Dhanwaan as
Kashinath's Mother
1993
Hum Hain Kamaal Ke as
Mrs. Lado Godbode
1993
Chor Aur Chand as
Suraj's mom (as Aroona Irani)
1993
Phool Aur Angaar as
Mrs. Verma
1993
Waqt Hamara Hai as
Shanti Sabkuchwala
1993
Kayda Kanoon as
MLA Vimladevi A. Sinha
1993
Kala Coat as
Miss Doli - Cabaret Dancer
1992
Jeena Marna Tere Sang as
Kamla
1992
Umar 55 Ki Dil Bachpan Ka as
Rani
1992
Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi as
Lajwanti
1992
Bewaffa Se Waffa as
Razia
1992
Naach Govinda Naach as
Lily
1992
Police Officer as
Sita Verma
1992
Jaan Se Pyaara as
Jai / Sunder's mother
1992
Beta as
Laxmi Devi (as Aroona Irani)
1992
Qaid Mein Hai Bulbul as
Vimla
1992
Yudhpath as
Mai - Nehru Hostel canteen manager
1992
Mere Sajana Saath Nibhana as
Shanti Devi
1992
Mera Dil Tere Liye as
Phoolwa
1992
Sapne Saajan Ke as
Shalini (Jyoti's mom)
1991
Baat Hai Pyaar Ki as
Anjali's nanny
1991
Phool Aur Kaante as
Professor Batliwala
1991
Nattukku Oru Nallavan
1991
Ayee Milan Ki Raat as
Suraj's mother
1991
Numbri Aadmi as
Champabai
1991
Vishnu-Devaa as
Mrs. Ram Prasad
1991
UPKAR DUDHACHE as
Parvati
1990
Pyaar Ka Toofan as
Sarita
1990
Pyar Ka Devta as
Prem Pyari
1990
Pyar Ka Karz as
Indumati N. Sapotdar
1990
Apmaan Ki Aag as
Mrs. Singh - Vikrant's mom
1990
Raeeszada as
Special appearance
1990
Jungle Love (Video) as
Jamuna Baai
1990
Hum Se Na Takrana as
Chand Bibi
1990
Pati Patni Aur Tawaif as
Chhaiya
1989
Chahungi Tujbe Bar Bar
1989
Galiyon Ka Badshah as
Rani Sahiban
1989
Gharana as
Natwar's assistant
1989
Khuli Khidki as
Shobha S. Dharampal
1989
Topaye Sindura Dipata Shankha
1989
Bahurani as
Cameo, in song "Bol Tujhe Kaisa" (uncredited)
1989
Chaalbaaz as
Manju's adopted mother
1989
Nigahen: Nagina Part II as
Gayatri
1989
Na-Insaafi as
Mrs. Sharda Khanna
1989
Jung Baaz as
Neelam (uncredited)
1989
Abhimanyu as
Parvati (Ram's wife)
1989
Kaanoon Ki Awaaz as
Havaldar Mrs. Banarasi
1989
Touhean as
Nurse Margaret
1989
Bade Ghar Ki Beti as
Murli's Wife
1989
Mirza Ghalib: The Playful Muse (TV Series)
1988
Ek Gadi Baaki Anadi as
Mrs Kirkire
1988
Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswathi as
Jamuna's aunt (uncredited)
1988
Zakhmi Aurat as
Salma (member of the feminine group of the victims of the violence)
1988
Gunahon Ka Faisla as
Chanda Baai
1988
Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani as
Uma
1988
Pyar Ka Mandir as
Shanti B. Bhooljanewala
1988
Aurat Teri Yehi Kahani as
Champa
1988
Dharam Yuddh (TV Series) - Episode #1.2 (1988)
1987
Dil Tujhko Diya as
Mary / Meera V. Sahni
1987
Insaf Ki Pukar as
Mrs. Meena Imaandaar
1987
Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da as
Balwant's wife
1987
Pyaar Karke Dekho as
Sampat's wife
1987
Insaniyat Ke Dushman as
Mona
1987
Waqt Gujarta Hain (TV Series)
1986
Aag Aur Shola as
Raju's Bua
1986
Aaj Jhale Mukt Mi as
Gypsy Dancer / Singer
1986
Baat Ban Jaye as
Aruna Chaudhary
1986
Insaaf Ki Awaaz as
Chameli
1986
Khara Varasdar as
Dancer in the song Mi Vasaiwali Jhonny Chi Saali
1986
Mera Dharam as
Mrs. Vishal Sengar
1986
Suhagan as
LeelaKrishna's Wife
1986
Allah-Rakha as
Razia Khan
1986
Karamdaata as
Street dancer in song "Pyar tujhse hi kiya".
1986
Aap Ke Saath as
Kamla (courtesan)
1986
Swarag Se Sunder as
Phoolmati
1985
Maujaan Dubai Diyan as
Ranno
1985
Mera Saathi as
Ram Kumar's adamant play character
1985
Insaaf Main Karoonga as
Razia - Safar Khan's sister
1985
Meraa Ghar Mere Bachche as
Courtesan
1985
Bhago Bhoot Aayaa as
Nirmala / Shanti Devi
1985
Mohabbat as
Shakuntala Choudhury
1985
Paththar as
Mrs. Nirmala Rai
1984
Love Marriage as
Leela 'Laila' Srivastav
1984
Ghar Ek Mandir as
Ramkatori
1983
Bagga Daku as
Chameli Baai
1983
Daulat Ke Dushman as
Chanda
1983
Ek Din Bahu Ka as
Servant Maid
1983
Ganga Kinare Mora Gaon as
Sp appearance- song 'Mela Mein Saiyan'
1983
Lal Chunariyaa as
Gulabbai
1983
Jeet Hamaari as
Item Dancer
1983
Painter Babu as
Courtesan
1983
Thayi Veedu as
Item Dancer
1983
Kaala Jal (TV Series)(1984)
1982
Khush Naseeb as
Mrs. Rani Gopi Prasad
1982
Log Kya Kahenge as
Sadhna
1982
Maa Vina Soona Sansar
1982
Sumbandh as
Wedding Dancer / Singer
1982
Anokha Bandhan as
Kalyanji's wife
1982
Johny I Love You as
Seductress
1982
Waqt Ke Shehzade as
Baano
1982
Insaan as
Special appearance
1982
Ghazab as
Empress (in the play)
1982
Vakil Babu as
Munnibai (Courtesan)
1982
Bemisal as
Nandini Malhotra
1981
Ammakkorumma as
Bar dancer
1981
Khoon Ka Rishta as
Villager (uncredited)
1981
Shama as
Pheroza Aslam Khan
1981
Kudrat as
Saraswati (Satto)
1981
Ladies Tailor as
Shehnaaz
1980
Judaai as
Miss Lily (Dancer)
1980
Nazrana Pyar Ka as
Ramkali
1980
Karz as
Tribal Dancer (Guest Appearance)
1980
Red Rose as
Sheela - Sales Clerk
1980
Hum Nahin Sudhrenge as
Savitri Mukherjee
1980
Do Premee as
Cabret Dancer
1980
Gangapur Ni Ganga as
Ganga
1980
Sau Dahada Sasuna To Ek Dahado Vahuno
1979
Jaandaar as
Birju's Girl Friend
1979
Yuvraaj as
Maharani Nandini
1979
Jaani Dushman as
Aruna (Ganga Ram's daughter)
1978
Hamaara Sansaar as
Satrangi
1978
Shalimar as
Dance Teacher
1978
Sone Ka Dil Lohe Ke Haath as
Dancer
1978
Bhola Bhala as
Nathu Singh's wife
1978
Kanchan Ane Ganga as
Kanchan / Ganga
1977
Bhingri as
Lavni Dancer in Gorya Gorya Tatat Aata
1977
Do Chehere as
Rani / Mohini
1977
Chala Murari Hero Banne as
Chandramukhi
1977
Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein as
Guest Appearance
1977
Khoon Pasina as
Shantimohan Sharma / Shanti Devi (Shanno)
1976
Aap Beati as
Reena Prakash Kapoor
1976
Bhoola Bhatka as
Roopa S. Khanna / Shabnam
1976
Harfan Maulaa as
Renu Sinha
1976
Naach Uthe Sansaar as
Nital
1976
Santo Banto as
Santo / Banto (dual role)
1976
Zindagi as
Sudha N. Shukla
1976
Do Shatru as
Special Apperance
1976
Sankoch as
Sangeet Samrat's Wife
1976
Yaari Zindabad as
Haseena
1975
Dafaa 302: Indian Penal Code Section 302 (Section of Murder)
1975
Dharamjeet as
Chhanno / Anju (Dual role)
1975
Do Jasoos as
Chhamia Dancer
1975
Himalay Se Ooncha as
Aunty - Air Hostess
1975
Zorro as
Sher Singh's Girlfriend
1975
Rani Aur Lalpari as
Meneka
1975
Deewaar as
Dancer in song "Koi Marjaye" (uncredited)
1974
Chattan Singh as
Badli Banjaran
1974
Har Har Mahadev as
Mohini
1974
Shaitaan as
Murder Victim #4 Village Belle
1974
Roti Kapada Aur Makaan as
Poonam (Malika-E-Nekiram)
1974
Prem Nagar as
Dancer / Singer
1973
Ek Mutthi Aasmaan as
Aruna
1973
Kahani Hum Subb Ki as
Rita
1972
Garam Masala as
Jugnu 'Garam Masala'
1971
Buddha Mil Gaya as
Parvati
1971
Ek Nari Ek Brahmachari as
Mala C. Singh
1971
Hum Tum Aur Woh as
Lalita
1971
Johar Mehmood in Hong Kong
1971
Main Sunder Hoon as
Miss Pasha (film actress)
1971
Man Mandir as
Shyamlee Singh
1971
Ek Din Aadhi Raat as
Shashi
1971
Lakhon Me Ek as
Renu - Jeevan's sister
1971
Sher E Watan as
Princess Soferika
1970
Bachpan as
Dancer / Singer
1970
Insaan Aur Shaitan as
Usha
1970
Samaj Ko Badal Dalo as
Churan
1970
Aan Milo Sajna as
Varsha's friend
1970
The Train as
Dancer(Guest Appearance)
1969
Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke as
Mala
1969
Insaf Ka Mandir as
Sadhna
1969
Jigri Dost as
Neelkanth's maidservant
1969
Tumse Achha Kaun Hai as
Lily
1969
Oos Raat Ke Baad as
Shakuntala
1968
Balram Shri Krishna as
Surekha
1968
Jung Aur Aman as
Gypsy Singer / Dancer
1967
Patthar Ke Sanam as
Gauri
1966
Spy in Goa as
Lilly / Aruna
1965
Shankar Sita Ansuya as
Sulochana
1963
Nartakee as
Laxmi's Colleague
1962
Anpadh as
Young Lajoo (as Baby Aruna)
1961
Gunga Jumna as
Young Kamla (Child Artist) (as Aruna)
Producer
-
Babul Ki Bitiya Chali Doli Saja Ke (TV Series) (producer - 564 episodes)
2008
Naaginn: Waadon Ki Agniparikshaa (TV Series) (series producer - 209 episodes)
2005
Rabba Ishq Na Hove (TV Series) (producer - 54 episodes)
2004
Zameen Se Aassman Tak (TV Series) (series producer - 164 episodes)
2001
Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand (TV Series) (producer - 165 episodes)
2003
Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahaan (TV Series) (producer - 289 episodes)
2000
Mehndi Tere Naam Ki (TV Series) (producer - 108 episodes)
1999
Anari No. 1 (producer - as Aroona Irani)
Director
2004
Zameen Se Aassman Tak (TV Series) (164 episodes)
2001
Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand (TV Series) (165 episodes)
2003
Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahaan (TV Series) (289 episodes)
Writer
Music Department
1971
Main Sunder Hoon (Playback singer - Perody song)
Miscellaneous
1980
Gangapur Ni Ganga (presenter)
Thanks
1982
Dial 100 (grateful thanks)
Self
2022
Dance India Dance: Li'l Masters (TV Series) as
Self - Guest
- Bollywood Queens Special' with Aruna Irani (2022) - Self - Guest (as Aruna)
2019
The Kapil Sharma Show (TV Series) as
Self
- Aruna Irani & Bindu (2019) - Self
2019
Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai (TV Series) as
Self , a film producer
- Get Together For The Show (2019) - Self , a film producer
- Naina Is Worried (2019) - Self , a film producer
- Angry Naina (2019) - Self , a film producer
- Another Rejection For Sameer (2019) - Self , a film producer
- Trouble In Storytelling (2019) - Self , a film producer
- Naina Is Nervous (2019) - Self , a film producer
- Meeting With Aruna Irani (2019) - Self , a film producer
- Sameer Defends Naina (2019) - Self , a film producer
2010
Kitchen Champion (TV Series) as
Self - Guest