Menaka Irani, the mother of renowned filmmakers Farah Khan and Sajid Khan, has passed away in Mumbai. She was 79 years old. The tragic news follows a recent Instagram post by Farah, where she revealed that Menaka had undergone multiple surgeries. Despite these challenges, Farah had shared heartfelt tributes on her mother’s birthday, July 12, celebrating Menaka’s strength and resilience.
Farah Khan’s emotional post highlighted how Menaka, despite her health struggles, maintained her sense of humor and strength. Farah expressed regret for taking her mother for granted and spoke of her longing for Menaka to recover so they could “start fighting” again, a reference to their close, often spirited relationship. Farah described this past month as a poignant revelation of her deep love for her mother.
Sajid Khan, Farah’s brother, also honored Menaka on her birthday by sharing a photo of the family, reflecting on their close bond. Menaka Irani, who raised Farah and Sajid singlehandedly after their father’s death, was well-known in the industry as the sister of actor Daisy Irani and screenwriter Honey Irani. Her niece and nephew are filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar.
Farah Khan had previously recounted her mother’s strong stance on her career and personal choices. In an interview, Farah revealed that Menaka had once threatened to throw her out of the house if she married at 22, emphasizing the importance of achieving financial independence and career success before considering marriage.
Menaka’s death marks a significant loss for the family and the film industry, where her influence and support have been deeply felt. The details surrounding her recent health issues and surgeries remain sparse, and the family has yet to release additional information.