In a solemn turn of events, the Bollywood fraternity was struck with grief as news broke of Menaka Irani’s passing. Menaka Irani, the mother of renowned choreographer-director Farah Khan and filmmaker Sajid Khan, passed away at the age of 79. She breathed her last on Friday, July 26th, in Mumbai, following a prolonged illness. This heartbreaking news comes just a fortnight after she celebrated her birthday on July 12.
Adding to the poignant nature of her passing, Menaka had recently been in the spotlight due to Farah Khan’s heartfelt social media post on her birthday. On the occasion, Farah shared a series of touching pictures of her mother along with an emotional note. “We all take our mothers for granted, especially me! This last month has been a revelation on how much I love my mom Menaka. She’s been the strongest, bravest person I’ve ever seen, with her sense of humor intact even after multiple surgeries. Happy birthday, Mom! Today’s a good day to come back home. I can’t wait for you to get strong enough to start fighting with me again. I love you,” Farah wrote, reflecting the depth of her bond with her mother.
The Instagram post was warmly received by friends and colleagues from the film industry. Prominent actor Boman Irani added, “Happy birthday Menka aunty. The greatest film buff I know. With a memory to match. Lots of love.” Anil Kapoor, another notable figure, shared, “Happy birthday to the funniest, jovial, and the strongest mom of my dearest friend papaji.” These messages underscore the affection and admiration Menaka garnered not just from her family but also from the wider film community.
Menaka Irani was not a stranger to the world of cinema. Born into a family closely associated with the film industry, she was the sister of acclaimed child actors Daisy Irani and Honey Irani. Menaka even had a brief stint in the acting world herself, sharing the screen with Daisy in the 1963 film ‘Bachpan’. Her contributions to the film industry, though short-lived, were cherished, and her legacy continued through the accomplishments of her children.
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However, life wasn’t always smooth sailing for Menaka and her family. Following the untimely demise of her husband, Kamran Khan, Farah Khan frequently opened up about the family’s financial struggles. “Yes, I belonged to a filmy family, but by the time I turned five, we were the poor cousins. We’d lost all our money; Dad’s film had flopped. We had a rags-to-riches story. So, they (the rest of the family) were all thriving, and we were the charity cases. Sajid, me, and our mother were the charity cases. But, of course, they were very nice to us. They let us stay in their house,” Farah shared in an interview with Radio Nasha.
Despite these hardships, Menaka stood strong, developing a reputation for her resilience and unwavering smile. Reports indicate that she endured a lengthy battle with illness before her death, though the exact cause remains undisclosed. Throughout it all, Menaka’s strength and sense of humor remained unshaken, as highlighted in Farah Khan’s loving note.
Farah Khan and Sajid Khan, each illustrious personalities in their own right, often credited their mother for the strength and tenacity she instilled in them. Farah, known widely for her choreography and directorial ventures, frequently spoke of the values and morals imbibed from her mother, providing a foundational bedrock for her success in the competitive world of Bollywood.
As the film industry grapples with the loss, the impact of Menaka Irani’s life and her contribution to the lives of those around her resonates deeply. Memorials and tributes from fans, friends, and colleagues continue to pour in, commemorating her legacy and spirit.
While the family has requested privacy in these difficult times, the collective heart of Bollywood stands with them. More information regarding her demise and the subsequent proceedings is expected to be shared by the family in due course.
Menaka Irani leaves behind a notable legacy through her children and the values she imparted. Her life, marked by grace and strength, continues to inspire those who knew her and those who came to know of her through the celebrated contributions of her offspring to Indian cinema. This moment serves as a solemn reminder of the transient nature of life and the enduring influence of a loving, supportive parent.
