Director

Aruna Irani

Aruna Irani is a true Bollywood institution—an actress who's graced over 500 films across multiple Indian cinema industries and racked up an impressive resume that speaks for itself. Born in Mumbai in 1946, she became a powerhouse in supporting and character roles, earning two Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actress for her standout performances in Pet Pyaar Aur Paap (1984) and Beta (1992). What's even more remarkable is that she holds the record for the most nominations in that category with 10 nods, proving her consistent excellence and industry recognition. The pinnacle of her celebrated career came in 2012 when she received the prestigious Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing her legacy as one of Bollywood's most dependable and respected performers. What makes Aruna Irani special isn't just her prolific filmography, but the nuance and depth she brought to every role she played. She had this rare ability to elevate any scene, no matter how small her part, with authenticity and presence that kept audiences invested. Her work spanned Hindi, Kannada, Punjabi, Marathi, and Gujarati cinema, making her genuinely pan-Indian in her reach and appeal. Even as she's moved away from the limelight in recent years, her impact on Bollywood remains undeniable—she essentially defined what it meant to be an exceptional character actress in Indian cinema, paving the way for generations of performers who followed.