"Who am I" is a fundamental existential question that defines my journey as an individual and artist.

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

TESTIMONIALS

Joanna Merlin, President

MICHA, The Michael Chekhov Association -New York, USA

The Michael Chekhov Acting technique DVD by Oorvazi Irani. In Oorvazi Irani's sensitive presentation of the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique, she guides the actor through Chekhov's psycho-physical process with, grace, elegance, intelligence and joyfulness. Oorvazi is an articulate actor and teacher, profoundly moved and motivated by Chekhov's lifelong study of the art of acting. In this formidable and artistic presentation, Oorvazi provides a progressive journey for actors, inspiring them to explore their untapped imaginative resources, deepening and enriching their creative individuality.

Meghna Ghai Puri, President Whistling Woods International

An accomplished filmmaker, educator, and acting coach, Oorvazi brings together artistic depth, intellectual rigor, and genuine empathy. In her time at Whistling Woods, I discovered her to be a filmmaker, educationalist, acting coach, and film critic with a rich, practice-led perspective to pedagogy. Across filmmaking, teaching, and academic leadership, Oorvazi has consistently demonstrated originality, integrity, and a remarkable capacity to elevate others. I wholeheartedly recommend her for opportunities in acting pedagogy, creative filmmaking, and arts education leadership, and wish her continued success in all her endeavors.

Shoma Bhattacharya -Vice Principal SVKM JV Parekh International School

As an individual, I have always known Ms Oorvazi as a person of warmth and charm, whose compassionate self easily establishes human connections. As a professional, an extremely meticulous goal oriented individual, who is in constant strife with her own self to achieve newer heights of perfection. As a teacher, believing and shaping students to become creative thinkers through personal engagement. In the world of films and painting, a part of Oorvazi clearly visible in each endeavor that she painstakingly carves and translates to re-invent her connection with the real world.

Anamika Haksar

Indian Theatre Director, Filmmaker and Teacher

At the age of 54 I decided to get a basic idea of cinema at the Digital Academy, we were blessed to have some fabulous teachers, Ms Oorvazi Irani was one of them. In fact she really opened our eyes to parallel cinema. Her taste was impeccable and ever so artistic. I really enjoyed each film she had curated for us. There is something deeply searching and artistic about her being, very much needed to inspire the artist within you. For me it was love at first sight. A breeze in the precincts of a rather conventional course at the academy. I really thank her, and consider her one of my teachers, though I am of course several years older to her. She remains in my mind like a fresh lily, vulnerable and delicate.

Copyright: Oorvazi Irani

Photography: Ojasvi Raghuvansh