Delnaaz Irani, who recently visited Ahmedabad and Vadodara, expressed her deep affection for Gujarat. She said, “Gujarat is my favourite state in India. While I shot for a brand in Vadodara, I attended an award event in Ahmedabad and also delivered a talk. Early in my career, I did a lot of Gujarati plays. So, we would stay in Ahmedabad for months and travel to cities like Rajkot, Bhavnagar, and Jamnagar for plays. I am very impressed with how cities in Gujarat have flourished in the last 20 years. On this trip, I visited Sindhu Bhavan Road and just loved the vibe. There are so many wonderful cafes on that stretch of road!”
The actress, who will be seen in the upcoming OTT show Chumbak, added, “I also visit Vadodara frequently for work and feel so much at home. The city embraces modernity while staying firmly connected to its cultural roots. I love gorging on patra, khandvi and fafda-jalebi every time I visit Gujarat.”
Enjoying doing important cameos in TV shows
Delnaaz, who was recently seen in the TV show Hui Gumm Yaadein–Ek Doctor, Do Zindagiyaan, said, “I had last worked with Iqbal Khan almost 20 years ago in Karam Apnaa Apnaa. It was wonderful to work with him again, and he remains the same person. I loved the role because I got to play a yesteryear superstar, and it carried a strong message against body shaming and ageism.” She added, “I am enjoying doing important cameos in TV shows because it gives me the breathing space to explore other things. While I enjoy working on television, I also aspire to travel extensively and explore a diverse range of content across different platforms and formats. I am doing a beautiful, feel-good film titled Zindagi Phir Bhi Khoobsurat Hai, directed by Kapil Kaustubh Sharma, which is about Parsis. I want to keep doing theatre, OTT shows, and films too.”
I’ve earned immense goodwill within the industry
Delnaaz is also back with the second season of Swaad Aur Sitare with Delnaaz Irani, a celebrity talk and food show. She said, “There are plenty of challenges when it’s your own show. As an actor on a television set, everything is taken care of by the team, but here, I have to be involved in every aspect of the production. That said, I thoroughly enjoy the process.” She added, “After COVID, I started exploring the idea of creating content of my own. Around that time, many artistes were finding success on YouTube, and my close friend, actress Sambhavna Seth, encouraged me to give it a try as well. I began my career in 1992, and over nearly 35 years in showbiz, I’ve built strong relationships and earned immense goodwill within the industry. Having celebrities and friends I’m close to on the show has been a truly rewarding experience. And since I’m a passionate foodie, food naturally plays an integral role in the conversations and the overall format of the show. There’s no script, and I just like to go with the flow. As artistes, we have to evolve with the times and accept the fact that today, the audience loves watching 30-second reels too. I have done a couple of verticals (micro-dramas) as well, and it was enjoyable.”
TV will always have a loyal audience
Speaking about the impact of the OTT boom on television, she said, “While my mother’s generation has embraced OTT platforms, most of them eventually return to TV. Television will always have a loyal audience, and it’s not going anywhere.” She added, “With competition coming from all sides, television has become more structured, and some very good shows are being made. Rupali (Ganguly) is a close friend, and I started watching Anupamaa because of her. Now, I’m completely hooked on the show. Even my last show, Mannat – Har Khushi Paane Ki, was a very well-made show. TV has several new producers also now, and they are open to new ideas. If the content is good, there is space for everybody. Regional cinema is booming too, and the success of Dhurandhar proves that people still love going to theatres.”
Percy’s life revolves around me
Delnaaz, who is in a happy relationship with Percy Karkaria, a DJ and music director, couldn’t stop praising him. She said, “We are soulmates, and Percy’s life revolves around me. I can’t imagine my life without Percy. I think the beauty of any relationship is when you just let the other person be. Respect is of the utmost importance. You should encourage your partner to explore, evolve, and grow as an individual, never trying to change who they are. He is a quiet person, but he can also be very chirpy when he wants to be. I’m a people person, and he loves watching me go out and enjoy time with my friends. We’re quite different in many ways, but for a relationship to thrive, you have to find a middle ground where both partners feel understood and comfortable. I have learned a lot from him.”
Talking about Gujarati films, Delnaaz shared, “I recently attended a screening of the Gujarati film Dhabkaaro. Deven (Bhojani) is a very close friend, and I loved his performance in the film. I just told him, 'Deven, I would love to do a project like this!' I am eagerly waiting for someone to approach me for a Gujarati film.”
Delnaaz added, “I love posting funny reels on Instagram because they allow me to connect with my fans and well-wishers in a fun and engaging way. I am also passionate about promoting body positivity on social media, and I feel truly grateful for the love and support people shower me with every day. The best thing about social media is that even when your show isn’t on air, it allows you to stay connected with your audience.”
