Melli Irani is a veteran cinematographer predominantly worked in Malayalam films. He had also worked in Tamil and Telugu movies. He has served in Kerala state award committee for the selection of best film and best cameramen.
He is the son of acclaimed cinematographer Adi Irani, hails from Iran and later settled in India.
Born on 5th august 1932 at Bombay, Melli Irani developed his interest towards still photography at a very young age. Later, while assisting his uncle Din Shah Irani learnt audiography. In the meantime his passion towards cinematography forced him to work under the master cinematographer Marcus Bartley. Melli Irani also continued to work under cinematographer M.A.Rahman who was popular for special effects cinematography.
After becoming a Cinematographer himself, Melli Irani on a unfortunate day met with an accident. He was hospitalized with serious injuries and his life was saved by none other than the legendary actor Chevaliar Shivaji Ganesan.
This was the period he stayed away from film making and started looking after his ‘Irani Tea shop’. But life had other ideas when he met the famous Malayalam film producer Majilas M.O.Joseph who urged him to come back to the film Industry.
From that point of life there is no looking back for Melli Irani. He again started his career with Malayalam film Gnana Sundari and went on to become one of the most sought after cinematographer of that time and also won the prestigious Kerala government state award for best cinematography in the year 1971.
As cinematographer his Malayalam film ‘Vazhve Mayam’ (1970) directed by K.S.Sethumadhavan had a long lasting impact on Malayalam cinema and it was screened as part of the Sathyan retrospective at the 17th International Film Festival of Kerala held at Trivandrum. He worked together with K.S.Sethumadhavan and T. Hariharan for many feature films.
As a cinematographer, he had great admiration towards veteran actors Srividhya ,Sheela.,Sathyan Kottarakara and Mammooty.
His Malayalm Flimography
Viyarppinte Vila-1962
Sathyabhaama-1963
Sthaanaarthi Saramma-1966
Naadan Pennu-1967
Ollathumathi-1967
Bhaaryamaar Sookshikkuka-1968
Thokkukal Kadha Parayunnu-1968
Yakshi-1968
Adimakal-1969
Kadalppaalam-1969
Vaazhve Mayam-1970
Kalpana-1970
Ammayenna Sthree-1970
Aranaazhikaneram-1970
Line Bus-1971
Oru Penninte Kadha-1971
Karakaanaakkadal-1971
Inquilab Sindabad-1971
Anubhavangal Paalichakal-1971
Devi-1972
Ananthashayanam-1972
Punarjanmam-1972
Panitheeraatha Veedu-1973
Chukku-1973
Bhoomidevi Pushpiniyaayi-1974
Alibabayum 41 kallanmaarum-1975
Kottaaram Vilkkaanundu- 1975
Panchami-1976
Ajayanum Vijayanum-1976
Vanadevatha-1976
Sneham- 1977
Aazhi Alayaazhi-1978
Sikharangal1979
Sarapanjaram- 1979
Idavazhiyile Poocha Mindappoocha-1979
Laava- 1980
Muthuchippikal-1980
Valarthumrigangal- 1981
Poochasanyaasi-1981
Theekkali- 1981
Sreemaan Sreemathi-1981
Ente Mohangal Poovaninju-1982
Ankuram-1982
Keni-1982
Aattuvanchi Ulanjappol- 1984
Vellam – 1985 and many more films.
His Tamil feature films credit as cinematographer includes ‘Mangayar Ullam Mangaatha Selvam’, Engal Selvi , Sarasa B.A and in Telugu Swarna Manjari, Samajam and Vikramaaditya.
At 85 years, Shri. Melli Irani is the most vibrant personality but always maintained a low profile and was against publicity.
SICA celebrates its first member’s life and achievements. This living legend will always be our guiding force.
CJ Rajkumar
Author/ Cinematographer