Honey Irani, a prominent Indian actress and filmmaker, is best known for her remarkable career and her marriage to renowned poet and screenwriter Javed Akhtar. This biography delves into her life, career, and family.
Wiki/Biography
Born on August 25, 1955, in Mumbai, Honey Irani’s zodiac sign is Virgo. As of 2024, she is 68 years old. She comes from a Zoroastrian family, the youngest of five siblings: Menka, Bunny, Sarosh, and Daisy. Her parents are Noshir Irani and Perin Irani.
Physical Appearance
• Height: 5’2″
• Weight: 85 kg
• Eye Color: Black
• Hair Color: Grey
Family, Caste & Wife
Honey Irani married Javed Akhtar in 1972. Their marriage lasted until 1985, producing two successful filmmakers: Zoya Akhtar (born 1972) and Farhan Akhtar (born 1974). She was also previously engaged to Raj Hans (1993) and Raj Nanvag (1988). Interestingly, she’s the maternal aunt of filmmakers Sajid Khan and Farah Khan. She also has two granddaughters, Shakya and Akira.
| Relationship | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Parents | Noshir and Perin Irani | Zoroastrian family |
| Siblings | Menka, Bunny, Sarosh, Daisy | Four siblings |
| Spouse (former) | Javed Akhtar | Marriage 1972-1985 |
| Children | Zoya and Farhan Akhtar | Both successful filmmakers |
| Nieces and Nephews | Sajid and Farah Khan | Filmmakers |
Career
Honey Irani’s career spans acting and screenwriting. She began as a child actress, appearing in films like “Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan” and “Bombay Ka Chor”. She boasts over 72 film credits. Following her divorce from Javed Akhtar, she transitioned into screenwriting, starting with the 1991 film “Lamhe.” Her directorial debut was “Armaan” (2003). Her celebrated screenwriting includes the “Koi… Mil Gaya” (2003) series, “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai” (2000), and the iconic “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.”
Awards
• Filmfare Award for Best Story (“Lamhe,” 1992)
• Filmfare Award for Best Story (“Kya Kehna,” 2001)
• Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay (“Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai,” 2002)
Favourite Things
• Poet: Javed Akhtar
• Film Genre: Romantic and Emotional
Facts
Honey Irani worked extensively with Meena Kumari as a child actress, describing Meena Kumari as a mother figure. She met Javed Akhtar on the set of “Seeta Aur Geeta.” Their marriage proposal was rather unique, involving a card game! Honey’s mother initially disapproved of the match due to Javed’s lifestyle at the time. After their divorce, Honey faced financial hardship, briefly working on saree embroidery while writing short stories and poems. She assisted director Ramesh Talwar and eventually pitched a script (later adapted as the movie “Aaina”) to Pam Chopra (wife of Yash Chopra). Despite the divorce, Honey maintains a cordial relationship with Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi.
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