Aruna Irani
Aruna Irani is basically Bollywood's unsung queen of the supporting role—and honestly, that's where her genius lies. Born in Mumbai in 1946, she's carved out an absolutely legendary career spanning over 500 films across Hindi, Kannada, Punjabi, Marathi, and Gujarati cinema. What really sets her apart is that she's won two Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actress (Pet Pyaar Aur Paap in 1984 and Beta in 1992) and holds the record for most nominations in that category with 10 nominations total. In 2012, she received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing her status as one of Bollywood's most respected character actresses. What makes Aruna Irani so special is her ability to completely steal scenes without ever overshadowing the leads—she just has this presence and timing that makes every moment count. Whether playing a stern mother figure, a scheming aunt, or a supportive friend, she brings authenticity and depth to roles that could've been one-dimensional in less capable hands. Her work in films like Beta showcased how powerful character acting could be, and she's influenced generations of actresses who understood that supporting roles aren't stepping stones—they're art forms. While she may have stepped back from regular film work in recent years, her legacy continues to inspire, and her performances remain a masterclass in how to make every scene memorable.
Awards & Nominations
;Film ; Television
Filmography
O'Romeo
2026
Kesari Veer
2025
Ghudchadi
2024
Khel Khel Mein
2024
Mili
2022
Kahani Rubberband Ki
2022
Angel
2011
Khatta Meetha
2010
The Train
2007
Rocky
2006
Garam Masala
2005
Charas
2004
Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam
2002
Anari No.1
1999
Aarzoo
1999
Haseena Maan Jaayegi
1999
Zulmi
1999
Silsila Hai Pyar Ka
1999
Saaz
1998
Saazish
1998
Doli Saja Ke Rakhna
1998
Kudrat
1998
Hameshaa
1997
Dil To Pagal Hai
1997
Aurat Aurat Aurat
1996
Haqeeqat
1995
Bewafa Sanam
1995
Kartavya
1995
Raja Babu
1994
Fauj
1994
Suhaag
1994
Laadla
1994
Anokha Premyudh
1994
Bhagyawan
1993
Aasoo Bane Angaarey
1993
Hum Hain Kamaal Ke
1993
Jeena Marna Tere Sang
1992
Beta
1992
Umar 55 Ki Dil Bachpan Ka
1992
Phool Aur Kaante
1991
Brahmarshi Vishwamitra
1991
Ayee Milan Ki Raat
1991
Maa
1991
Doodh Ka Karz
1990
Paraya Ghar
1989
Khuli Khidki
1989
ChaalBaaz
1989
Dana Paani
1989
Dayavan
1988
Aurat Teri Yehi Kahani
1988
Shahenshah
1988
Zulm Ko Jala Doonga
1988
Inteqam
1988
Sansar
1987
Madadgaar
1987
Insaniyat Ke Dushman
1987
Amrit
1986
Naache Mayuri
1986
Masterji
1985
Mohabbat
1985
Mera Saathi
1985
Bhago Bhut Aaya
1985
Sanjog
1985
Ghar Ek Mandir
1984
Bade Dil Wala
1983
Angoor
1982
Saugandh
1982
Bemisal
1982
Zakhmee Insaan
1982
Anokha Bandhan
1982
Waqt Ke Shehzade
1982
Kaaran
1981
Ladies Tailor
1981
Aas Paas
1981
Jyoti
1981
Love Story
1981
Yaarana
1981
Kali Ghata
1980
Qurbani
1980
Red Rose
1980
Hum Paanch
1980
Judaai
1980
Karz
1980
Surakshaa
1979
Atmaram
1979
Yuvraaj
1979
Jaandaar
1979
Gol Maal
1979
Jaani Dushman
1979
Shalimar
1978
Jadu Tona
1977
Apnapan
1977
Khoon Pasina
1977
Zindagi
1976
Aap Beati
1976
Bhanwar
1976
Fakira
1976
Do Jasoos
1975
Deewaar
1975
Majboor
1974
Dil Diwana
1974
Roti Kapda Aur Makaan
1974
Prem Nagar
1974
Do Phool
1974
Do Chattane
1974
Do Phool
1973
Bobby
1973
Garam Masala
1972
Bombay to Goa
1972
Albela
1971
Ek Nari Ek Brahmachari
1971
Johar Mehmood in Hong Kong
1971
Kangan
1971
Lakhon Me Ek
1971
Caravan
1971
S. S. Balan
1971
Kotayya Pratyagatma
1971
Buddha Mil Gaya
1971
Man Mandir
1971
Naya Zamana
1971
Ek Paheli
1971
Madhusudan Rao V.
1970
Safar
1970
Humjoli
1970
Aan Milo Sajna
1970
Ehsan
1970
Insaan Aur Shaitan
1970
Jawab
1970
Rootha Na Karo
1970
Samaj Ko Badal Dalo
1970
Anjaan Hai Koi
1969
Jyoti
1969
Meri Bhabhi
1969
Samay Bada Balwan
1969
Waris
1969
Ramanna
1969
Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke
1969
Tumse Achha Kaun Hai
1969
Sajan
1969
Anjaan Hai Koi
1969
Anmol Moti
1969
Anokhi Raat
1968
Aulad
1968
Farz
1967
Patthar Ke Sanam
1967
Upkar
1967
Spy In Goa
1966
Sangram
1965
Nartaki
1964
Zindagi
1964
Parasmani
1963
Nartakee
1963
Nartakee
1963
Parasmani
1963
Bees Saal Baad
1962
Anpadh
1962
Gunga Jumna
1961
Andaz
1949