Legendary actress Aruna Irani recently appeared on an episode of Rajeev Khandelwal's comeback show, Tum Ho Naa. During the episode, the actress opened up about her journey in the film industry and recalled her struggles, including a time when she had to dance for just Rs 2500 to earn a livelihood.
Three Years Without Work
Aruna Irani spoke about the most difficult phase of her life when she was out of work for three consecutive years. She shared how, after delivering blockbusters like Bombay to Goa and Caravan, she suddenly faced a dry spell. “When I did Bombay to Goa and Caravan, both movies were blockbusters and ran for years in Super Cinema and Dreamland theatres,” she said. “And then suddenly, for three years, I had no work at all.”
A Courageous Comeback
Determined to revive her career, Aruna accepted a lavani performance in a Marathi film directed by Dada Kondke titled Aandhla Marto Dola. She recalled, “When I started working again, what kind of work did I start with? I performed a lavani in a Marathi film. And I did it with courage. I told myself, ‘No, I have to go. I have to show people that I am still alive.’” She added, “I could have thought, ‘How will I ever do this kind of work? I was once a heroine opposite Amitabh ji, and today I am doing a lavani for Rs 2500.’ But I told myself, ‘No, I have to go.’ And that decision turned out to be so fruitful because there I met people who would change my career.”
Aruna further shared how that step helped revive her career: “There I met Raj Kohli ji, and from there, work started coming my way again.”
Rajeev Khandelwal Praises Her Spirit
The host of the show, Rajeev Khandelwal, praised Aruna Irani's journey and pointed out how the veteran actress changed things for herself with hard work. He said, “Look, even after delivering two superhit films, she did not get work. Despite that, she never lost courage. And after that, as we can all learn from her journey, no work is ever too small.” He also paid tribute to her legacy, stating, “We will always remember Aruna ji. For so many years now, whether there were storms, challenges, good times or bad times, she has stood firm through it all for the last 70–71 years. She is known as a great actress, but I think for many people she is also an inspiration, proving that one should never give up. You must not surrender. Everything in life comes to an end one day, but the important thing is never to lose hope and never to give up.”
Aruna Irani on Women Empowerment
The Raja Babu actress also shared her experience on the show, saying, “In my decades in this industry, I have played many memorable characters, but meeting India's real ‘Ghar Ki Superstars’, everyday women who quietly hold their families together, was truly humbling. Sometimes, all a woman needs is to be seen, heard, acknowledged, and appreciated, and that’s what makes this show so special. It reminded me how extraordinary ordinary women truly are.” She added, “Behind every home is a woman giving her love, strength, and time without ever expecting any kind of recognition. Watching these women finally have a stage and a moment that belongs entirely to them, where they feel valued and celebrated, was the most beautiful and emotional part of this experience for me. I truly believe every woman carries a strength as pure and powerful as the sacred Ganga, along with a mindset that inspires resilience, compassion, and hope. May every woman continue to shine with that divine energy and grace.”
