Delnaaz Irani Opens Up About Divorce: Chose Peace Over Financial Claims
In a candid revelation, actress Delnaaz Irani has addressed the financial aspects of her divorce from ex-husband Rajeev Paul, dismissing common assumptions around alimony and emphasizing her choice of personal peace over material claims.
Walking Away Without Alimony
Speaking exclusively to Hauterrfly, Delnaaz Irani clarified that she did not receive any financial settlement during her divorce proceedings. "I never got anything. In fact, what was mine, I let go of it. It's not like I held on to anything," she stated. The actress described the divorce as "quite messy" due to conflicting desires between the partners, but she ultimately decided to let go for the sake of her mental well-being.
"But I just let it be. I let it go because I chose my peace over everything," Delnaaz added, highlighting her priority during the difficult separation.
Divorce Was Not in Her Vocabulary
Delnaaz Irani shared insights into her background, explaining that coming from a middle-class Parsi family, divorce was an unfamiliar concept. "Divorce was not even in my dictionary. From where I come, relationships last for generations. We are open-minded, but this is not something casual—it comes after a long phase of emotional turmoil," she revealed.
The actress noted that while their separation became public around 2010, the relationship had effectively ended much earlier. "When you are emotionally and mentally out of a relationship, you are just two strangers living in the same house," she reflected.
Reflections on Bigg Boss and Public Perception
Delnaaz Irani also discussed her experience on the reality show Bigg Boss, where she was often perceived as "fake" by viewers. She expressed frustration at how kindness is frequently misinterpreted.
"People thought I was fake, but those who mattered knew who I am. Niceness is always taken as weakness, which is unfortunate. If people understood that kindness and compassion are strengths, the world would be a better place," she said.
Additionally, Delnaaz dismissed claims that the show is scripted, asserting, "It's a game, not a satsang. You can't say someone made you do something. You have to be fantastic in the show."
Facing Her Ex on National Television
The actress admitted to being shocked when Rajeev Paul entered the Bigg Boss house unexpectedly. "I didn't know he was coming. But the moment I saw him, I told myself to treat him like any other contestant. I had to maintain my dignity and my family's dignity," she explained.
Delnaaz suspected that the show might have been capitalizing on a "divorcee angle," but she maintained that her conduct was entirely her own choice.
Rebuilding After Personal Loss
Opening up about a particularly challenging phase, Delnaaz recalled how everything seemed to collapse after losing her father in 2011, amidst the divorce turmoil.
"Everything felt like it was collapsing. But I believe even if you break, you have to pick up the pieces and rebuild your life," she said. Describing herself as a "rebel" in her family, she added, "I was the first in my family to marry outside the community and the first to get divorced."
Emphasizing Personal Choice and Moving Forward
Despite having family support, Delnaaz Irani emphasized that she handled the situation on her own terms. "It was my journey, my choices. People may not understand the weight of it, but I chose peace and moved on," she stated.
Delnaaz Irani ended her 14-year marriage with Rajeev Paul in 2012, though they had separated in 2010 due to a lack of love, respect, and emotional connection. The actress has since moved on and is now in a long-term relationship with Percy Karkaria.
