Royal Gains

Marked by highs and lows,Irani’s career graph has been interesting. She debuted in films in 1961 when she was nine years old. The film,Ganga Jamuna,was followed by a few other minor roles. But her pairing with comedian Mehmood in films like Humjoli and Naya Zamana in the 1970s brought her into limelight. However,what the actress is most remembered for are her dance numbers and her vamp roles.

Today,however,her presence is limited to the small screen; a fact that she has come to terms with. “If you think I am no longer keen on working in Bollywood,you’re wrong. But I have accepted the fact that the industry now has no room for character artistes. Earlier,the films would have the strong roles etched out for the lead characters’ mother,father and siblings. Today,I doubt if the film industry will ever throw up any roles for a woman of my age.”

Meanwhile,her affair with television continues. Apart from acting,she has produced a number of television shows,including Naginn,Rabba Ishq Na Hove (Zee TV),Doli Saja Ke (Sahara One) and the popular Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand (Star Plus),which she also directed. “I loved directing; it gave me a different high,” she recalls,adding that she has no intention of returning behind the camera. “It is very exhausting. When I am acting,I just have to worry about my scene and my role. As a director or even as a producer,there are other pressures on me.”