Veteran actor Aruna Irani recently shared insights into a pivotal moment in her career when she was cast opposite Govinda in the 1999 comedy Haseena Maan Jaayegi. Known for frequently portraying Govinda’s mother in films, Aruna was initially hesitant to take on a romantic role alongside him. Her apprehensions stemmed from the fear that audiences would reject such a drastic shift in their on-screen relationship.
In a candid interview, Aruna revealed her initial reluctance and how director David Dhawan convinced her to embrace the role. “In every film, I was Govinda’s mother,” she recalled, expressing her concerns about breaking the established image. The transition from maternal roles to a romantic interest was not an easy decision for the seasoned actress.
Breaking Stereotypes: A Bold Move
Aruna’s hesitation was rooted in the strong maternal image she had cultivated over the years. “I told David ji, ‘In every film, I am Govinda’s mother. That image has become so strong. If I suddenly do this romantic, flirtatious role with him, people won’t accept it. Please take someone else. I don’t want to do it,’” she shared during an interview with Radio City. Her apprehension was genuine, driven by the fear of audience rejection.
However, David Dhawan was unwavering in his decision. “He said, ‘No, Aruna ji, you will do it. And you’ll see how much people will love it.’” Trusting the director’s vision, Aruna decided to take the leap. “I was scared, but I gave my best. Hats off to David ji’s conception — he was absolutely right. People loved it,” she admitted. The film, featuring Karisma Kapoor, Pooja Batra, and Sanjay Dutt, became a cult classic, with Aruna and Govinda’s quirky romantic moments becoming some of its most memorable highlights.
On-Set Dynamics and Overcoming Inhibitions
Transitioning from a motherly figure to a romantic partner on screen was challenging for Aruna. “I would hesitate and think, what if people don’t accept this? But Govinda would encourage me and say, ‘Do it, it will look good.’ I would rehearse and then perform. We used to laugh like mad on set,” she recalled. The support from her co-star and the film’s team played a crucial role in helping her overcome initial discomfort.
Govinda’s encouragement was instrumental in easing Aruna’s transition. His reassurance helped her embrace the role with confidence, ultimately contributing to the film’s success. The chemistry between the actors added a unique charm to the movie, endearing them to audiences.
Reflecting on Career Choices and Industry Challenges
Aruna also reflected on her career path, explaining why she moved away from conventional ‘heroine’ roles early on. “I had so many responsibilities. I couldn’t sit and wait for a film to come so my house could run. In those days, you would do one film and that money would take care of two-three months. That’s it,” she explained. With a large family to support, she chose to accept every role that came her way.
“That’s why no one thought of making Aruna Irani the heroine. They would say she does small roles, she plays the sister well. But I had to work,” she added. Despite moments of demotivation, Aruna remains grateful for the opportunities that shaped her career. “Today, I thank them. They made me who I am. If I didn’t have those compulsions, maybe I would have disappeared,” she reflected.
Looking back, Aruna believes that taking the risk in Haseena Maan Jaayegi was worth it, even if she initially wanted to decline the role. Her decision to embrace change and challenge stereotypes has left a lasting impact on her career and the industry.
For more entertainment updates, stay tuned to the latest news on Hindi and Telugu cinema.
