It’s her warmth and positive outlook that have drawn people to her. Though at times her outspokenness has ruffled many a feather. But what Aroona Irani can’t be denied is her immense contribution in the world of cinema and TV. The actress, director and producer has been there done it all. Having spent a life time in films and television Aroona is a very respected name in the industry. Currently producing and acting in two shows Naagin (Zee TV) and Doli Saja Ke (Sahara One) Aroona forges ahead. She is also working on her new show for NDTV Imagine which will go on air shortly. And as her fans await her new show Tellychakkar takes a peek into the life and times of Aroona Irani.

Excerpts:

The biggest lesson you have learnt from life?

Life has taught me many lessons and the learning has still not stopped. I have many more lessons to learn. One of the biggest lessons I learnt from life is that destiny is very powerful. From my experience, I feel that I should try my best but I should not push myself too hard to achieve my dreams. I believe that at the end it is destiny that controls things in your life.

Going back in time would you want to change anything?

There is nothing that I want to change about my life. Whatever has happened in my life has happened for the good. Things could have been bad but thankfully everything turned out to be good.

You have repeated actors like Sangeeta Ghosh and Jeevidha in your productions. You seem to be loyal to your actors.

Why not repeat your old actors when there is an established comfort level with them? I have cast them because they qualify to work in my productions. If I don’t find an actor good then I don’t cast him again.

What are your future plans?

God is very smart. He doesn’t let my life go as planned, so now I have stopped planning. We humans are travelling in a car that is driven by God. Like every human, I too have certain desires and expectations but I don’t give importance to planning.

You have been working since your childhood. Don’t you wish to relax now?

No, I am enjoying my life. I just want to do good work and I want to work till my last breath. I was born to work.

How different are things then and now?

The days when I was an actress was a different time altogether. Actors these days are too money conscious. You have to first show them money and only then they will talk work. This was not the scenario in earlier times. Now there is good flow of finance but in our days there was hardly any money. We actors used to live in rented apartments. If the producer said that he is unable to pay a certain sum of money, we would understand. We were much more co-operative. I guess it is about changing times. If I was an actor of this generation even I would have been that way.

Any favourites from the current lot of actors?

I don’t have specific preferences. I would cast anyone who suits the character of my serial. It doesn’t matter even if they are new.

Did you ever have to deal with a troublesome actor?

I have come across actors who have thrown tantrums but that is ok. Such things do happen but no one was intolerable.

Any unfulfilled dreams?

No. God has been very kind to me.