EXCLUSIVE: Boman Irani reveals his funniest co-stars and ‘The Mehta Boys’ journey!

Mumbai: The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 (January 25 to February 2) brought with it an array of enriching discussions, artistic showcases, and cultural exchanges. Among them, the much-anticipated ‘Parsi Punch-Chai-Yat’ discussion, featuring Bollywood actor Boman Irani alongside noted Parsi personalities Kunal Vijayakar, Chef Cyrus Todiwala, and VJ Cyrus Broacha, was a heartwarming and laughter-filled affair.

On the afternoon of January 31, from 5 to 6 pm, the historic Taj Mahal Palace served as the venue for this engaging session. As attendees gathered, the aroma of freshly brewed tea and coffee filled the air, setting the perfect backdrop for a discussion centred around Parsi cuisine and the cherished memories associated with it. Chef Cyrus Todiwala took the lead in reminiscing about the flavours and heritage of Parsi food, adding a nostalgic touch to the conversation.

Parsi Punch-Chai-Yat at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025:  Delightful evening with Boman Irani and Parsi icons

Parsi Punch-Chai-Yat at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025: A lovely evening with Boman Irani and Parsi icons (Pic credit: Niren Mehta)

Boman Irani and Cyrus Broacha for the event, Parsi Punch-Chai-Yat at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 (Pic credit: Niren Mehta)

Boman Irani, clad in an elegant all-black ensemble, exuded charm and wit. When I asked him about his creative inspirations for his directorial debut movie, ‘The Mehta Boys,’ he said, “It is a collection of anecdotes derived from several father-son relationships, inspired by real-life stories.” The discussion took a light-hearted turn as he revealed that, “Anupam Kher and Amitabh Bachchan are among the funniest co-actors I have worked with,” adding to the laughter and camaraderie in the room.

The event also touched upon the concept of layered performances, where seemingly simple roles can be made complex with nuanced acting. Irani said, “I like to add depth to even the easiest characters to make them more relatable and engaging, and it allows me to bring unexpected dimensions to my performances and keep the audience intrigued.”

The hour-long session was not just an exchange of words but an experience enriched with humour, nostalgia, and a celebration of Parsi culture. As the discussion concluded, guests indulged in a delightful spread of chai, coffee, and snacks, ensuring a truly satisfying end to a memorable event. With only 40 exclusive seats available, those who had the opportunity to attend were treated to an intimate and engaging conversation that left everyone with smiles and fond recollections.

The ‘Parsi Punch-Chai-Yat’ at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 was undoubtedly a highlight, bringing together the essence of community, food, and laughter in an unforgettable manner.

The Mehta Boys

In addition to these nostalgic reflections, Boman Irani’s ‘The Mehta Boys,’ has been making waves. The movie premiered at Mumbai’s renowned Regal Cinema in Colaba as part of the Kala Ghoda Festival on January 31, 2025. The audience’s enthusiastic response culminated in a standing ovation, leaving Boman Irani deeply moved.

Regal Cinema holds a deep sentimental value for Boman Irani, as it was there that his passion for cinema first took shape. As a devoted film enthusiast, he frequented the iconic theatre to watch numerous classic films. He paid tribute to a cherished figure from his childhood, Aslam, who has been working as a film projector operator at Regal Cinema for over five decades.

The trailer had already garnered high praise from industry stalwarts like Anil Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, and Riteish Deshmukh, and the film further gained international acclaim with its premiere at the Indian Film Festival (IFFI) in Berlin, Germany.

‘The Mehta Boys’ features an ensemble cast, including Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry, and Puja Sarup, in significant roles. The movie is set to release on Amazon Prime Video on February 7, 2025.