Honey Irani on being overpowered by Javed Akhtar's screenwriting: 'My storytelling is different, but I truly admire him' - Exclusive

Honey Irani reflected on 22 years since her directorial debut Armaan, sharing insights on the film’s making, her journey as a screenwriter, and cherished memories from her childhood acting days. Excerpts...

It’s been 22 years since your film as a director?

I must say that I was very lucky to get a very nice producer like Dinesh Gandhi to back me as a first-time director, and to have a dream cast like Amitji, Anil Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Preity Zinta, Gracy Singh, and Amir Bashir. Music by Shankar-Ehsaan and Loy. Lyrics and dialogues by Javed Saab and cinematography by Ravi Varman: it was his first feature film. And then I had Reema Kagti as my first AD. What more could I have asked for?

Nothing more, I guess?

I enjoyed the entire process as everybody was so professional and extremely nice and gave their very best. I must say thank you to them all for their support.

Armaan is about healthcare, what made you pick this subject?

I wanted to make this film because I have a lot of respect for this profession. I myself wanted to be a doctor but that was not to be. So I guess that was why I chose this subject. The film was appreciated and did well at the box office, but not as well as I wished it would.

Why didn’t you direct another film?

Then I got back into writing scripts, I guess time passed and my children started making films and I was enjoying seeing them doing so well. And once again feeling really lucky and grateful for having such hardworking and talented kids.

Did you ever feel overpowered as a screenwriter for Javed Saab’s presence?

No, I was never overpowered by Javed Saab’s writing as my way of storytelling is very different from his. Yes, I do think he is one of the best screenplay and dialogue writers we have. I certainly admire him.

You have written some very commendable screenplays, which is your favourite?

I would say that Lamhe is very close to my heart, as it was a very different story and again the way it was cast and directed was just amazing. And so is Kya Kehna, Aaina, Darr, Kaho Na… Pyaar Hai, and Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai. I really enjoyed writing them.

You and your sister Daisy had a successful innings as child actors. How do you look back on those days?

Daisy and I had a great career as child actors. And I certainly consider myself very lucky to have worked with legends like Dilip Kumar Saab, Meena Kumari Ji, Sunil Dutt Ji, Rajendra Kumar Ji, Ashok Kumar Ji, Raj Kapoor Ji, Motilal Ji, Balraj Sahni Ji, Nutan Ji, Madhubala Ji, Nanda Ji, Kishore Kumar Ji, Mala Sinha Ji. What more can one ask for?

Anything from your past that you would like to change?

Honestly, nothing.