By News18
Kayoze Irani, son of veteran actor Boman Irani, is now stepping into the spotlight as a filmmaker with his full-length directorial debut, Sarzameen. Backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the film stars Kajol, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Ibrahim Ali Khan, and is slated to premiere on JioCinema on July 25. But before turning to direction, Kayoze was known for his charming on-screen debut in Student of the Year (2012), where he played the lovable Sudo alongside Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra, and Varun Dhawan.
Early Life and Education
Born in November 1987 in Mumbai, Kayoze grew up watching his father, Boman Irani, rise from running a bakery on Grant Road to becoming one of Bollywood’s most respected actors. Raised in a middle-class Parsi household deeply rooted in the performing arts, Kayoze was exposed to theatre and cinema from a young age.
He pursued his bachelor’s degree in Film, Television & New Media Production from Kishinchand Chellaram College in Mumbai. And this academic degree laid the foundation for his future in direction.
From Onscreen Debut to Direction
Kayoze began his career in the film industry as an assistant director on Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Imran Khan. But it was his breakout role as ‘Sudo’ in Student of the Year that brought him mainstream attention. Though a supporting character, his natural comic timing and warm screen presence made him a fan favourite.
After a brief stint in acting, Kayoze shifted focus to filmmaking. He made his directorial debut with Ankahi, a critically praised short film in Netflix’s Ajeeb Daastaans anthology, which explored themes of love, silence, and emotional disconnect.
About Sarzameen
Set against the backdrop of a volatile Kashmir, Sarzameen follows the life of Colonel Vijay Menon (Prithviraj), a man of unshakable duty and integrity. Kajol plays Meera, a resilient wife and mother, while Ibrahim Ali Khan appears as the lead antagonist in the complex role of Harman, a young man struggling with shadowed memories and truths.
With the teaser already stirring anticipation, Kayoze Irani’s transition from an actor to a promising director marks an exciting new chapter in his journey and Bollywood’s.