Recently, veteran Bollywood actress Aruna Irani, known for her roles alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, including Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, has shared some surprising anecdotes from her career. These revelations include insights into working with Rekha and Rishi Kapoor, and offer a peek behind the curtains of Bollywood in the 70s and beyond.
One of the most talked-about revelations involves actress Rekha. Irani recalled an instance where she felt Rekha had intentionally gotten some of her scenes cut from a film. According to Irani, Rekha felt that Irani's role was overshadowing hers, leading to the scenes being trimmed or removed entirely. While Irani did not specify the movie, she implied that it was a period when competition among actresses was particularly fierce, leading to such incidents. This anecdote highlights the intense professional rivalries that sometimes existed behind the glamorous facade of Bollywood.
Irani also shared an interesting story involving the late Rishi Kapoor during the filming of the movie Bobby (1973). She recalled being reluctant to film a scene with Kapoor where he was meant to appear nude. Irani confessed that she felt shy and uncomfortable with the sequence. It was Raj Kapoor, Rishi's father and the director of the film, who eventually convinced her to proceed. Raj Kapoor advised her to focus on the "right things" and not to look directly at Rishi during the scene.
Irani recounted that Rishi Kapoor later confronted her about her initial refusal. He jokingly asked her why she had objected when it was he who had to be naked. Irani explained that her hesitation stemmed from feeling shy, a sentiment that Kapoor found amusing, highlighting the awkwardness and humor sometimes involved in filming intimate scenes. The particular scene shows Rishi Kapoor coming out nude and drying his hair with a towel.
These stories from Aruna Irani provide a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of Bollywood during a different era. They reveal the challenges, rivalries, and sometimes uncomfortable situations that actors faced. While the industry has evolved significantly since then, these anecdotes serve as a reminder of the human element behind the stardom and the pressures that actors often navigate.
Beyond these specific incidents, Aruna Irani's career is a testament to her versatility and longevity in the film industry. From playing supporting roles to character roles, she has consistently delivered memorable performances, contributing to the success of numerous films. Her ability to adapt to changing trends and her willingness to experiment with different genres have solidified her position as one of Bollywood's most respected actresses.