Iconic actress shares painful journey of survival in Bollywood’s shadow
The glitz and glamour of the Indian film industry often hide a much darker reality. Veteran actress Aruna Irani recently pulled back the curtain on her early years, shedding light on the Bollywood exploitation she faced and her complicated Aruna Irani Mehmood relationship. Her revelations serve as a stark reminder that the casting couch in cinema and professional manipulation have deep roots in the industry.
Irani candidly discussed how she was "openly exploited" by the legendary comedian Mehmood. While she credits him for giving her a breakthrough when she was struggling with poverty, the price of that opportunity was steep. She admitted to crossing personal boundaries to please him, driven by the lure of fame and financial stability for her family. However, the relationship turned toxic when Mehmood allegedly spread false rumors that they were already married.
This calculated move by Mehmood dealt a heavy blow to her professional life. Filmmakers stopped casting her, fearing she might quit or become pregnant, which effectively stalled her growth. According to Irani, Mehmood never intended to honor his promise of marriage, despite having multiple wives already. She now looks back at the failed relationship as a blessing in disguise, noting that her "destiny was kind" to save her from a third-wife scenario.
Beyond her personal life, the actress spoke about the predatory nature of the industry during her youth. She survived the Bollywood dark side by adopting a unique defense mechanism: playing "the innocent fool." To avoid uncomfortable social invitations or advances from powerful men, she would pretend not to understand their intentions, politely declining coffee or outings under the guise of health issues.
This "pretence" often cost her repeat roles, but it protected her integrity. Her Aruna Irani struggle is a testament to the survival tactics women have used for decades to navigate a male-dominated workspace. It was only after she distanced herself from Mehmood that the industry realized she was an independent professional, allowing her career to flourish once again.
Image Source: Meerut Manthan
