‘I have all that I need’
Daisy Irani
Since the tender age of just two, Daisy Irani has been catching the pulse of cinema with her endearing innocence. Today, at 61, she continues to enthrall people in movies and TV shows. She speaks to SANGEETA YADAV about her experience working in the industry with veterans actors
You have worked with Meena Kumari, Nirupama Roy. How was your experience as a child actor to work with these veteran actorsIJ
It would scare a little. It would always make me wonder what I was doing standing with actress of such stature. But they were very loving although they used to scold if I did anything wrong. But I was very disciplined and learnt quickly.
You played role of Parsi or Christian aunt in films. Didn’t you want to do some other rolesIJ
Yes I always get roles to play a Parsi or Christian. But the good part is that I always get roles that have a fun side to it. I am old and best suited for such roles. Ab mataji ko yahi roles milenge. But I’m comfortable with playing these characters.
Did you ever want to be the leading ladyIJ
I got married at very young age and at that time I preferred to take care of my family. It was difficult for an actresses to continue their career as heroines after getting married. But times have changed now.
Did you have a godfather in this industryIJ
No I didn’t. People were always nice to me so I didn’t feel the need to have one. life is your mentor. It teaches you at every stage.
You started working in Bollywood at two-and-a-half-years of age. If not an actress, what would you have beenIJ
I would love to be an advocate or police inspector as these jobs always fantasised me.
You said in an interview you couldn’t enjoy your childhood, how was the childhood of your childrenIJ
I always allowed them to live the way they wanted to. My children are settled now. One is teacher, one is working with an MNC and the other is an editor. I never pushed my children to do anything.
You are Farhan and Zoya’s maternal aunt. Some memories with themIJ
We used to have a lot of fun. I used to take them out for picnic, shopping and playing with them. With them I would become a child. I would love to work with them. In fact, I will feel proud to share screen with them.
What keeps you active at this age in the industryIJ
I’m getting work and by God’s grace I’m fit. I love doing what I am doing. I recently bought a new mobile with a payment that I got recently.
Any dream which has not yet been accomplishedIJ
I’m completely satisfied with my life. I’ve worked enough in the industry and my children are also settled. I’m thankful to God for this life. I don’t want anything more.
As compare to the saas-bahu sagas, comedy has less audience. What do you have to say about thisIJ
Yes, people do prefer saas-bahu serials over comedy because it has a lot of twist and turns leading to drama which becomes the talk at home for the viewers adding an element of entertainment. But such shows are not teaching .