Legendary cinematographer Melli Irani passes away at 94

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renowned cinematographer Melli Irani (94), who created visual brilliance on celluloid with his camera, has passed away. He breathed his last in Chennai. He crafted the visual language for many notable films, including Anubhavangal Paalichakal, Yakshi, Adimakal, Vazhve Mayam, Aranazhikaneram, Sharapanjaram, Bhoomidevi Pushpiniyayi, Panchami, Lava, Ankuram, Idavazhiyile Poocha Mindapoocha, Valarthumrugangal, Poocha Sanyasi, and Vellam.

Melli Irani was born on August 5, 1932, in Bombay as the son of early Indian cinematographer Aadhi M Irani. He learned the basics of cinematography from his father.

He entered Malayalam cinema with the film Gnana Sundari in 1961. He went on to become a regular collaborator with noted directors like K S Sethumadhavan and Hariharan. He was known for his rare ability to understand a director’s vision and translate it through the camera. Many evergreen Malayalam songs gained lasting appeal through his classic visual frames. Some of the memorable songs he worked on include Pravachakanmare Parayu, Kalyani Kalavani, Agniparvatham Pukanju, Ujjayiniyile Gayika, Chalanam Chalanam, Neelagiriude Sakhikale, Parijatham Thirumizhi Thurannu, Thazhampoo Manamulla, Poonthenaruvi and Shravana Chandrika.