Faredoon Irani – Bollywood cinematographer of ‘Mother India’ fame

Faredoon Irani was an acclaimed Bollywood cinematographer who was active in the field since early 1930s to early 1970s. In a career spanning to more than 4 decades, he is best known for his association with filmmaker Mehboob Khan. Anmol Ghadi (1946), Andaz (1949), Aan (1952) and Mother India (1958) are his major works with Mehboob Khan. Irani worked with the director right from his debut flick – Al Hilal, also known as Judgement of Allah in 1935, and later they had a long term relationship. Faredoon Irani is a recipient for Filmfare award twice – Mother India (1958) and Duniya (1968).

From the left – Sham Behl, DevAnand, producer Amarjeet, director T. Prakash Rao & cinematographer Faredoon Irani in the film sets of ‘Duniya’

Gujarati film Narsinh Mehta in 1932 is credited as his work as independent cinematographer, followed by Grihalaxmi (1934), Vengeance is Mine (1935) and Dr. Madhurika (1935). He joined hands with Mehboob Khan in 1935, who was only a newcomer then, and formed a decade long friendship giving several memorable films. Mother India is their best work together, which received numerous honours. Deccan Queen (1936), Manmohan (1936), Ek Hi Raasta (1939), Roti (1942), Najma (1943), Humayun (1945), Amar (1954) etc are a few more works together. He has also done cinematography for a few movies directed by Sarvottam Badami.

Faredoon Irani – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. Irani did the camera work of India’s first technicolor film, Aan in 1952.

2. He earned his first Filmfare award through Mehboob Khan’s Mother India, and also did the camera work of its original – Aurat released in 1940.

3. Palki (1967), Aadmi (1968), Duniya (1968) and Gambler (1971) are his memorable works in the last phase of his career.

4. After the death of Mehmood Khan in 1964, he reduced his work significantly.