The surname ‘Irani’ may be catching global attention due to geopolitical headlines involving Iran, but in India—particularly in Bollywood—it tells a completely different story. It’s a name associated with creativity, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to the world of films and theatre.
In the Indian context, 'Irani' is a surname often used by members of the Parsi community. Many of them trace their ancestry back to Iran and have played a significant role in shaping India's cinematic and theatrical heritage. Among the first names that come to mind is Ardeshir Irani, a visionary who brought India’s first talking film Alam Ara to life in 1931. Without Ardeshir’s pioneering work, the Indian talkie era might have taken years to begin.
Another Irani who left a huge mark is Aruna Irani, an actress with over 100 films and TV shows to her name across Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati cinema. Born to an Irani father and a Hindu mother, Aruna began working in films from a young age due to family financial constraints. Over time, she carved out a legacy through her versatile performances—whether in lead roles, supporting characters, or iconic vamp portrayals. Interestingly, talent runs in her family, with filmmaker Indra Kumar, actors Adi Irani and Firoz Irani, and actress Bindu being closely related.
Then there’s Boman Irani, a name that resonates with both comedy and depth in Bollywood. Boman’s journey is one of resilience. He lost his father before birth and supported his family through odd jobs, eventually starting a career in photography. A turn toward theatre under the guidance of Alyque Padamsee led him to films, where he gained national fame with Munna Bhai MBBS. Today, Boman is one of Hindi cinema’s most respected character actors.
The Irani legacy doesn’t stop there. Siblings Daisy Irani and Honey Irani made their own mark in entertainment. While Daisy earned fame as a child actor, Honey Irani transitioned from acting to become a celebrated screenwriter. The ex-wife of lyricist Javed Akhtar and mother of filmmakers Farhan and Zoya Akhtar, Honey wrote the screenplays for classics like Lamhe, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Darr, and Koi Mil Gaya.
The roots of this legacy stretch back to Parsi theatre, which was immensely popular in pre-talkie India. Many members of the Parsi community—having migrated from Iran—entered the world of performance through theatre. Travelling tent shows and stage dramas became their livelihood, and their flair for storytelling translated beautifully into the world of cinema. Ardeshir Irani himself was once part of this circuit before revolutionizing Indian film history.
From pioneering films to penning blockbusters, the Iranis have been integral to Bollywood’s evolution. Their stories are not just about cinema, but also about identity, migration, and cultural contribution—reminding us that surnames can carry legacies far deeper than we imagine.
