Aruna Irani Talks About Confronting Rekha For Removing Her From THIS Film

Veteran actor Aruna Irani has opened up about a long-ago professional disagreement involving fellow star Rekha, recalling how she was removed from the film Mangalsutra by her and the conversation that followed. Speaking candidly, Irani clarified that the episode
never created bitterness between the two and that she chose to move past it with understanding.

Directed by Vijay B and also starring Anant Nag and Prema Narayan, Mangalsutra was one of many films from that era. Aruna Irani and Rekha later went on to share screen space in several notable films, including Nagin (1976), Jaani Dushman (1979) and Bulandi
(2000), continuing a professional relationship.

When Aruna Irani confronted Rekha

Aruna Irani shared that she approached Rekha directly to

understand why she was excluded from the project. Recalling the exchange, she told Zoom, “What was there to confront? She was a dear friend. So I inquired why I was excluded from the film Mangalsutra. She replied, ‘Dekho behen mehne aapko iss liye nikhala hai because the role is very edgy.’”

The actor admitted she was initially confused by the explanation and asked Rekha to elaborate. “I asked her what she meant by that. I was unfamiliar with the term,” Irani said. According to her, Rekha then explained the creative reasoning behind the decision.
“‘If you made this role a bit emotional, I would appear as the antagonist in the film. That’s why I suggested not to cast her.’”

Irani further recalled questioning the manner in which the decision was handled. “I told her she could have just called me to explain, why did you choose this route? She answered, ‘Mereko himmat nahin thi behen tereko bolne ki [I didn’t have the courage to
tell you directly].’”

Despite the situation, Aruna Irani stressed that she never held a grudge. “Nothing was lost for me in this situation. It’s fortunate that the film didn’t succeed,” she said, adding that their bond remained intact over the years. She also fondly remembered their
off-screen camaraderie, noting, “We have worked on numerous projects together. We both were Telugu, so we often conversed in our native language while on set.”

Aruna Irani says Mehmood took advantage of her

Aruna Irani was in a relationship with veteran actor and comedian Mehmood before she tied the knot to Kuku Kohli. Talking about her relationship with Mehmood she told Zoom, “Mehmood ji had already been married twice. I was labeled a homewrecker. My mother frequently
advised me to end the relationship as it was inappropriate. After I gained fame, Mehmood began to distance himself from me. I can’t blame him entirely since he was a significant support during my early career struggles.”

Aruna also pointed out that Mehmood took advantage of her. “Observing Mehmood’s actions made me realize that he was openly taking advantage of me. It ultimately became very complicated for me,” Irani remarked.