Pune is A City With A Big Heart – Delnaaz Irani

Delnaaz Irani

Over the years, she has made a place in our hearts either by making us laugh or by showing her dignified true self! Delnaaz Irani is one of those actors who has stayed steadfast throughout. By the virtue of a great theatre culture in Pune, she keeps visiting the city for her plays. We spoke to her about her connect with Pune, her aspirations and lesser known things.

What do you have to say about Pune?
The audience of Pune is the most generous. They are big-hearted when it comes to giving compliments. Also, Puneites have a great aesthetic sense. They understand stories very deeply. It is always a delight coming here.

Which has been your best performance?
I don’t judge my performances as best or worst. I cherish the experience of breathing life into the character. Nonetheless, my character of Sweetu from Kal Ho Na Ho will always be very close to my heart.

You have done comic roles throughout your career. Do you think that whoever does not fit into the conventional good looks is slotted as a comic actor?
Yes, somewhere this is the truth. Fortunately, it is changing now for sure with plus size people coming in leads. However, there are miles to go.

Did you ever succumb to the pressure to look a certain way?
No, never, it never bothered me. My work speaks for itself. After all, ultimately, it is your talent that takes you ahead.

You were a Big Boss contestant. Did it bother you when people said not so nice things about you on national television?
I am an emotional person but I knew what I was getting into. You have take these things with a pinch of salt and move on with laughing at it.

What is your dream role?
I do not have a specific dream role but I would love to play something like Sridevi’s character in Sadma.

Did you always want to be an actress?
No, not at all. I always wanted to be a teacher. When I was 15 -16, theatre Guru Mr. Dinyaar Contractor asked me to participate in a play. The rest is history.

If we are not wrong, you did teach for a while, right?
Yes, I taught history for 2 years but then managing two professions was getting hectic. Hence, I had to quit teaching. It was a very gratifying experience, though.

Sakshi Arora