Veteran actor Boman Irani, at the age of 65, has embarked on an exciting new journey in his illustrious career by stepping into the director's chair for the very first time. His debut directorial venture, the heartfelt series 'The Mehta Boys,' premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 7, 2025. The show, which explores the nuanced relationship between a father and son, has been warmly received by audiences for its emotional depth and sensitive storytelling.
From Actor to Director: A New Creative Chapter
Boman Irani did not just direct the series; he also starred in a pivotal role alongside actors Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry, and Puja Sarup. The positive response to his first outing behind the camera has fueled his passion for filmmaking. In a recent conversation with Hindustan Times, Irani confirmed that he has already begun work on his second directorial project.
He made a conscious decision to switch genres for his next film. "I've made a conscious decision: after directing a family drama, I'm going to pick a completely different genre," Irani stated. "Just because people liked the first one, I don't think I can stick to the same genre. I want to enjoy different worlds of cinema." This move highlights his desire to explore and challenge himself creatively beyond the emotional landscape of his debut.
A Proud Family of Filmmakers and a Dream Unfulfilled
The year 2025 holds special significance for the Irani family, as it also marks the directorial debut of Boman's son, Kayoze Irani. Kayoze's film 'Sarzameen,' featuring Kajol, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Ibrahim Ali Khan, adds another layer of pride to their cinematic legacy. Boman openly discusses the demanding nature of direction with his son, emphasizing the hardships inherent in the process.
"Life was never meant to be a bed of roses; you can't avoid the hardships. Making a movie is not easy," he reflected, pointing out challenges from writing and financing to casting and budgeting. "You put your heart and soul into it, but you also have to accept everybody is not going to love what you do." For Irani, direction is a test of emotional endurance as much as it is a craft.
Despite his vast experience working with numerous talented actors, one dream remains paramount for Boman Irani: directing the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. He expressed that directing Mr. Bachchan would be an unforgettable experience. "Directing Mr. Bachchan would really be an experience for posterity, just having the gall to tell him, 'This is the scene, and that is how it goes,'" he shared. The two actors recently shared the screen in the film 'Uunchai,' directed by Sooraj Barjatya.
Looking Ahead: Mentorship and New Horizons
Beyond his acting and new directing pursuits, Boman Irani continues to contribute to the industry by mentoring young writers and creators. His transition to directing at 65 proves that creative evolution has no age limit. With a successful debut series under his belt, plans for a genre-defying second film, and the cherished dream of working with Amitabh Bachchan in a directorial capacity, Boman Irani's journey in cinema continues to inspire.
