Exclusive! Boman Irani celebrates Parsi New Year: Without good Bhonu, there is no festival in a Parsi house

Parsi New Year at the Irani household is equal parts laughter, food, and heartfelt tradition. This year, actor Boman Irani marked the occasion with a rare treat — a photoshoot alongside his sons that captured their easy camaraderie and warmth.

The images, brimming with affection, mirror the spirit of the festival itself.

“I’m a big believer that festivals bring families together,” he tells us, and adds, “It was nice to horse around with my boys like we were kids again. Especially that picture of the kids on my lap — it just shows proximity, affection, love, and most importantly, that we are in a good space with each other.”

Boman along with his sons Danesh and Kayoze went to the Agyari to pray.

"We are pretty united as a family, we meet more often than most people. I just love it when we sit in the car together and head out — like when we came to the Agyari for the shoot," he shares. The Mehta Boys actor's childhood Parsi New Year memories are vivid. “It was always about new clothes. I’d get so excited to wear new clothes. Sometimes those clothes were oversized or undersized because we’d buy them well in advance. Ready-made clothes were invariably ill-fitting — and stiff — if you know what I mean,” he laughs.

And of course, there’s the food. “Without good Bhonu, there is no festival in a Parsi house.

Without Bhonu, there’s no fun,” he quips. Talking further what is made at their house, he adds, “Many people don’t know Dhansak is not feast food. It can be dhan dal with Kolmi no Patio. Yellow dal or fish is considered very auspicious. Achar, gajar meva nu achar, Parsi pulao or berry pulao — these are more or less standard.”

While Boman confesses he’s never really cooked, he praises the women in his family. “I might not be a bad cook, but I’ve never tried. Zenobia is outstanding. Her mother was outstanding. My mother, not so much — she used to sit at the shop and come home late. But on the odd occasion she cooked, it was outstanding.”10 days before the Parsi New Year is also a time to remember those who are no longer around. “We do prayers for the ones who have passed on. In a way, it’s about understanding your presence on this planet," he concludes.

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