Aruna Irani Reveals She Was Told to Impress Mehmood for Roles: ‘He Launched My Career But Also Ended It’
Aruna Irani, a veteran of Indian cinema with over 500 films to her credit, remains one of Bollywood’s most enduring figures, known for her versatility as an actress, dancer, and producer. Her recent revelations about her relationship with the legendary actor Mehmood, shared in an interview with Lehren Retro in June 2025, have stirred conversations about her personal and professional journey. The duo’s on-screen chemistry in the 1970s lit up films like Aulad, Humjoli, Devi, and Naya Zamana, but their off-screen bond was equally captivating—and complicated. Aruna’s candid account sheds light on how Mehmood both propelled her to stardom and contributed to her career’s setbacks, offering a poignant glimpse into the challenges of navigating love, fame, and ambition in Bollywood’s golden era. This blog explores Aruna Irani’s revelations, her career, Mehmood’s influence, and the broader context of their story in Indian cinema.
A Star from Humble Beginnings
Born on August 18, 1946, in Mumbai, Aruna Irani grew up in a modest Parsi family with eight siblings, facing significant financial struggles. Her entry into Bollywood was driven by necessity, as she took on the responsibility of supporting her family at a young age. Starting as a child artist at nine in Gunga Jumna (1961), Aruna transitioned to supporting roles, debuting as a lead actress in Anpadh (1962). Her early career was marked by small roles in films like Jahan Ara (1964) and Gaban (1966), but it was her dance numbers and versatility that caught attention. By the 1970s, she had established herself as a talented actress, excelling in both comedic and dramatic roles, with films like Caravan (1971) and Bombay to Goa (1972) showcasing her charisma.
Aruna’s journey was far from easy. Coming from a poor background with no industry connections, she faced the harsh realities of Bollywood, where survival often depended on strategic alliances. Her association with Mehmood, a towering figure in Indian cinema, became a defining chapter in her life, both personally and professionally.
The Mehmood Connection: A Career Made and Marred
Aruna Irani’s recent interview with Lehren Retro peels back the layers of her complex relationship with Mehmood, whose mentorship and romance shaped her early career. Mehmood, born on September 29, 1932, was a cinematic giant, appearing in over 300 films across four decades. Known for his comedic brilliance in classics like Padosan (1968), Kunwara Baap (1974), Bombay to Goa (1972), and Gumnaam (1965), he was a versatile actor, director, and producer who redefined Hindi cinema’s comedic landscape. His production house, Mehboob Productions, was a hub for talent, and his influence in the industry was unparalleled during the 1960s and 1970s.
Aruna revealed that her entry into Mehmood’s orbit was partly orchestrated. Early in her career, dance director Suresh Bhatt advised her to “impress” Mehmood to secure work, recognizing his clout in Bollywood. “Dance director Suresh Bhatt told me, ‘tu Mehmood ko ghaas dal, only he can get you work,’” Aruna recounted. Initially hesitant, she maintained a professional distance, saying “yes and no” to Mehmood’s advances. However, his persistent support—casting her in films like Aulad (1968), Humjoli (1970), Devi (1970), and Naya Zamana (1971)—earned her admiration. “He started giving me work even on that basis, and slowly, I developed a soft corner for him,” she said. “Through him, I saw money, fame, name, and I thought, ‘Mein kab tak iss aadmi ko bewkoof banaugi.’”
Their professional collaboration blossomed into a deep personal bond, with Aruna admitting she fell for the then-married Mehmood. Their on-screen chemistry, marked by playful romance and comedic timing, captivated audiences, making them one of Bollywood’s most beloved pairs. Off-screen, however, their relationship faced scrutiny. Rumors of a possible marriage surfaced, but Mehmood’s silence on the matter had profound consequences for Aruna’s career. She recalled a pivotal moment when Vinod Khanna approached Mehmood to cast her as a lead actress. “Mehmood just looked at me and smiled and didn’t say anything,” she said. “So he made my career and ruined it also.” His ambiguity fueled industry speculation, leading to a decline in lead role offers for Aruna.
The Breakup and Its Fallout
The relationship between Aruna Irani and Mehmood was further complicated by his family dynamics. Mehmood was married twice—first to Madhu Kumari, with whom he had four children, and later to Tracy Ali, with whom he had three children. Journalist Bharti Singh, in the Lehren Retro interview, noted that Mehmood had confided that his wife had issues with Aruna, and his family urged him to stop working with her. Aruna confirmed that their breakup was mutual, driven by the realization that their association was harming their careers. “We parted ways after we realized we weren’t good for each other’s careers,” she said.
The fallout was significant for Aruna. Once a sought-after lead actress, she found herself relegated to dance numbers and supporting roles as industry perceptions shifted. Mehmood’s family’s request that he avoid working with her, which he honored, further limited her opportunities. “Due to our breakup, I stopped getting work and had to take up doing songs despite being a lead actress,” Aruna explained. Yet, she harbored no resentment, driven by her commitment to supporting her family. “I came from a very poor family, so that was the first time I saw name, fame, money,” she said, admitting she went “beyond limits” to please Mehmood but never felt regret, as her priority was financial stability.
Aruna Irani’s Resilience and Legacy
Despite the setbacks, Aruna Irani’s career is a testament to her resilience. After her split with Mehmood, she reinvented herself as one of Bollywood’s most prolific supporting actresses, appearing in films like Qurbani (1980), Love Story (1981), Beta (1992), and Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). Her performances earned her seven Filmfare Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress, with a win for Pet Pyaar Aur Paap (1984). She also ventured into production, producing TV serials like Mehndi Tere Naam Ki and Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, and acted in over 30 TV shows, including Zamana Badal Gaya.
Aruna’s versatility extended to regional cinema, with roles in Marathi, Gujarati, and Punjabi films. Her dance numbers, such as “Chadti Jawani” from Caravan, remain iconic, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences across genres. In 2012, she received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her contributions to Indian cinema. Today, at 78, Aruna remains a respected figure, married to director Kuku Kohli since 1990, with no children but a legacy of inspiring countless actors.
Mehmood’s Enduring Impact
Mehmood, who passed away in July 2004 at 71, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His comedic genius, seen in films like Padosan and Bombay to Goa, blended slapstick with social commentary, earning him a cult following. As a director and producer, he nurtured talents like Aruna Irani and Amitabh Bachchan, who credited Mehmood for giving him a break in Bombay to Goa. His personal life, marked by two marriages and seven children, was tumultuous, but his professional contributions remain unmatched.
Mehmood’s reluctance to clarify his relationship with Aruna reflects the complexities of navigating personal and professional boundaries in Bollywood’s conservative era. His decision to prioritize family over their partnership, while damaging to Aruna’s career, was a product of the industry’s dynamics, where personal rumors often overshadowed talent.
The Bigger Picture: Bollywood’s Challenges for Women
Aruna Irani’s story highlights the broader struggles faced by women in Bollywood during the 1970s. Coming from a poor background, she navigated an industry where success often depended on influential patrons. Her willingness to “please” Mehmood, as she admitted, reflects the compromises many actresses faced to secure roles. The lack of agency in addressing marriage rumors and the subsequent career fallout underscore the gendered challenges of the era, where personal relationships could make or break professional prospects.
Yet, Aruna’s resilience sets her apart. Her ability to pivot to supporting roles, build a production career, and maintain dignity in the face of setbacks makes her a trailblazer. Her revelations spark reflection on how far Bollywood has come in supporting women’s autonomy, though challenges persist, as seen in modern controversies involving actresses like Shraddha Kapoor, referenced in the user’s earlier queries.
Why Aruna’s Revelations Resonate
Aruna Irani’s candid account of her relationship with Mehmood is a powerful narrative of ambition, love, and sacrifice. It humanizes two icons, revealing the personal costs of fame in an unforgiving industry. Her story resonates with audiences for its honesty, shedding light on the pressures of Bollywood’s golden era. By sharing how Mehmood both elevated and hindered her career, Aruna invites empathy and reflection, reminding us of the human stories behind the silver screen.
As fans and observers discuss her revelations, Aruna’s legacy as a versatile actress and resilient figure endures. Her journey from a struggling artist to a Bollywood stalwart, despite personal and professional challenges, is a testament to her strength. Mehmood’s role in her life, both as a mentor and a source of heartbreak, adds depth to their shared history, making their story a compelling chapter in Indian cinema’s rich tapestry.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on publicly available information and intended solely for informational purposes.
Source: Lehren Retro interview, news reports, June 2025.
