Irani is a term used to denote Indian Zoroastrians whose ancestors emigrated from Iran within the last two centuries, as opposed to the longer residing Parsis. They are culturally and linguistically closer to the Zoroastrians of Iran. Unlike the Parsis, they actually speak a form of Persian, the Dari dialect spoken by Iranian Zoroastrians. Their last names often resemble modern Iranian names, but many use the name of their ethnicity, Irani, as a surname unto itself. They are mostly located in modern-day Mumbai, India, and are famous for their restaurants and tea-houses. Many, such as Ardeshir Irani, have also become very famous in Bollywood cinema.

Famous Iranis:

• Meher Baba (Merwan Sheriar Irani), Indian spiritual master
• Ardeshir Irani, Bollywood director of the first Indian sound film, Alam Ara
• Aruna Irani, Bollywood actress
• Boman Irani, Bollywood actor
• Jenni Irani (Jamshed Khudadad Irani), cricketer
• Ronnie Irani, cricketer
• Michael Irani, British rheumatologist
• Sir Dinshah Irani, Zoroastrian leader who provided aid to the Zoroastrian community of Iran.
• Perizaad Zorabian, Bollywood actress

See also

• Persian people
• Iranis

Ethnic groups in India | Persian people | Zoroastrianism