Iranian actor Mandana Karimi roasts Boman Irani over Trump video

Actor Boman Irani found himself at the centre of controversy after Iranian actor Mandana Karimi accused him of speaking up about Iran only now, amid global concerns over LPG shortages linked to the ongoing Israel–Iran war. Irani had posted a light-hearted video on Instagram on Wednesday, taking a dig at US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on purported peace talks with Tehran.

What Boman Irani said

Irani's video came as Trump hinted at “productive conversations” with Iranian leadership, even as the conflict nears its fourth week. In February, coordinated US-Israel strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Tehran to retaliate and triggering a sharp fuel supply disruption across multiple countries, including India.

In his clip, Irani referenced the LPG shortage and joked about being invited, along with Union Minister Smriti Irani and veteran actor Aruna Irani to participate in Trump’s supposed outreach to Iran.

“I’m ready to do anything for peace,” Irani said, adding that instead of travelling to Washington, he would prefer if Trump visited Mumbai’s Dadar Parsi Colony. “We’ll feed them dhansak, custard, and other food,” he quipped, before ending with a sarcastic request for the US delegation to bring “a big gas cylinder” to ease the crisis.

The humorous tone of the video drew laughter from fans and celebrities alike, with several leaving laughing emojis in the comments.

Mandana Karimi calls out ‘selective concern’

However, Mandana Karimi, who is of Iranian origin and known in India for her appearance on Bigg Boss 9, criticised Irani for what she described as belated commentary on Iran’s suffering.

“Suddenly, you have a lot to say about Iran. Interesting timing,” she wrote under Irani’s post. Karimi pointed out that for years, Iranians had been “arrested, executed, and silenced”, while families suffered immense loss. She noted that many, including herself, had repeatedly spoken about the crisis in Iran long before the current geopolitical ripple effects reached India.

“But now… there’s a video. Now there’s concern. Now there’s humour about gas, about Trump,” she wrote, adding that as a member of the Parsi community, whose roots trace back to Iran, Iran’s struggles should not have required a fuel shortage to inspire commentary.

“Where was this voice when Iranians were dying?” she asked, ending with a pointed remark, “From silence to satire, that was fast.”

Irani has not responded to Karimi’s comments yet.