"Who am I" is a fundamental existential question that defines my journey as an individual and artist.
I spent my childhood running athletics in school, dancing to music freestyle outside a record shop and professionally dancing Bharatnatyam on stage. My inherent love for creative expression and dad's influence as a filmmaker made me follow his footsteps and I embraced the love for teaching that entered my life quietly in mysterious ways.
Oorvazi Irani, a professional who has spent over thirty years at the intersection of filmmaking, education, and film criticism. As the Director of her company SBI Impresario Pvt. Ltd,, she has built a career defined by meaningful collaborations with global broadcasters like the BBC and Channel Four, while maintaining a distinct, independent voice in her own short films and feature films showcased in theatres, museums and film festivals.
Oorvazi’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to the craft. Whether she is pioneering the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique in India, heading the acting department at Whistling Woods International, or mentoring students through the International Baccalaureate film program, her focus has always been on elevating the standard of cinematic language and developing artistic reflection.
A respected member of the Film Critics Circle of India and a frequent international Jury Member, she brings a rare perspective that balances the technical rigour of a practitioner with the thoughtful insight of an educator.
From 1995 to 2024 I have been the Director of my home production media and film company SBI Impresario Pvt. Ltd., Besides running the company as a Director I have also been creatively part of projects in research, production and direction. The company has produced numerous award winning content for Indian and International Television. To name a few documentaries, wildlife, travel series, films:
Rakshak(1980), Project Tiger (1982 – 83 ) produced for Doordarshan Indian Television.
The following films were commissioned by Channel Four Television, London:
Percy(1985-87) a feature film co funded by NFDC which was a winner of the National Award in India & awarded at the Mannheim Film Festival Germany.
The Ramayana: A Journey(1995-97) which also had a series Book and Music soundtrack produced for same.
Something Like A War (1992-93) co produced with D &N Productions was awarded at the Nyon film Festival Switzerland.
The Last House in Bombay(1990-91) and The Clap Trap(1993-94), both documentaries have been preserved for posterity with the National Film Archives, Pune and Films Division Archives, Mumbai.
The Chairman and Managing Director of the company Sorab Irani, my dad started his career in the film industry being the General Manager for Chetan Anand and then formed the company in 1975. The company has produced a body of work for Channel Four Television, London closely working with Commissioning Editor Farrukh Dhondy. The company has also been the Literary Agent for Farrukh Dhondy. Towards the latter part of his career my dad closely worked with Manmohan Shetty to create and launch IMAX, the large film format to India.
Family Legacy
Copyright: Oorvazi Irani
Photography: Ojasvi Raghuvansh