Nariman A. Irani

Nariman A. Irani (1928-1977) was an Indian cinematographer and film producer known for his work on popular Hindi films like Manzil (1960), Phool Aur Patthar (1966), Manoj Kumar's Shor (1972), and Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974). He was particularly known for his work on Govind Saraiya's Saraswatichandra (1968), for which he was awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Cinematography (black & white) in 1968 and the National Film Award for Best Cinematography (black & white) in 1969. He began his career assisting and training under the acclaimed cinematographers Jal Mistry and Fali Mistry in the 1950s. His early independent credited work includes Sone Ki Chidiya (1958) and Manzil (1960). His work showcased mastery with shadow play and light manipulation, with precise framing. Irani's cinematography often involved challenging outdoor shoots, which he handled adeptly to bring authenticity to narrative settings. His work on Saraswatichandra was critically lauded for its evocative visuals that elevated the film's romantic and dramatic elements. He used subtle gradations of tone to convey character emotions in the dramatic scenes of the film. Other key films in his oeuvre during this period are Phool Aur Patthar (1966) and Talash (1969). He shifted to colour cinematography in the 1970s with films such as Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, directed by Manoj Kumar. His compositions of vibrant outdoor locations and urban environments heightened the film's social-realist themes and emotional intensity of the performances. These projects underscored his adaptability across changing formats, while preserving a lyrical approach to framing, light, and exposure. Irani started production on Don (1978), for which he helmed the cinematography. However, the film took three years to be completed, and Irani passed away after a serious set injury. Chandra Barot, with support from the cast and crew, took over the rest of the production and cinematography to complete the filming. Upon its release, the film became a commercial blockbuster, establishing Amitabh Bachchan as an action star. Irani's mastery of black & white aesthetics with clever manipulation of natural light, particularly for outdoor shooting, influenced the subsequent generations of cinematographers to achieve expressive visuals with minimal studio lighting.