'Good that Mehmood never married me': Aruna Irani opens about her 'exploitative' relationship with legendary comedian

The bond between Aruna Irani and Mehmood was never a simple romance; rather, it was a connection forged in a moment of professional desperation. Speaking to Zoom, Aruna Irani explains that the relationship became complicated primarily because she felt heavily indebted to the comedy icon. Having provided her with a break when she was a struggling newcomer, she felt she was "crushed under the weight of his favors" (एहसान के नीचे दबी हुई थी). This sense of obligation created a dynamic where she found it difficult to set boundaries, leading to a relationship that she now describes as having been formed for an entirely different set of reasons than pure affection.

Mehmood and Aruna Irani: feeling "openly exploited"

As time progressed and she gained her footing in the industry, the veteran actress admits she began to see the darker side of their association. She shares that she started feeling like the actor was openly exploiting her professional and personal presence. Despite this realization, she chooses not to place the entirety of the blame on him, acknowledging that she remained in the situation due to her own necessities and helplessness at the time. She notes that while he initially supported her and helped her find work, the dynamic shifted once she began to find independence, eventually leading to the point where the relationship had to end for her own well-being.

Mehmood Actor and Aruna Irani marriage rumors on her career

One of the most damaging aspects of their association was the persistent rumor that they were already married. According to the interview, Mehmood would often tell people in the industry that he and Aruna were husband and wife. This caused massive setbacks for her, as filmmakers feared that if the couple had a child, it would disrupt their professional commitments and the "star power" of Mehmood. At a time when she was seeking love and respect, she realized that Mehmood, who had already been married twice, could not provide the stability she needed. She now views the end of their relationship as a blessing, as it allowed her to escape a cycle where her career was being overshadowed by another’s shadow.

Aruna Irani finding peace after the storm

Today, discussions often turn to Aruna Irani’s husband, her children and her career, especially her famous dance numbers, but for years, the shadow of Mehmood loomed large over her identity. She reflects that once people in the industry realized the rumors were baseless and Mehmood was no longer a constant presence in her life, the gossip finally faded, allowing her to be recognized for her own merit. Looking back, she describes the conclusion of that chapter as necessary, stating that if it had proceeded further, she would have remained stuck in a search for respect that was never going to be granted.