Unique: “Kal Ho Naa Ho Was God’s Reward To Me,” Says Delnaaz Irani
Excerpts:
How did your profession path change after KHNH?
Kal Ho Naa Ho was God’s reward to me. It simply fell on my lap with out making an attempt. These days, careers are manipulated and I do not imply this negatively. There may be an company that you just appoint and there are 5-6 people who find themselves behind you if you stroll right into a room. There are social media and PR groups and all these paraphernalia should be there so that you can develop into a star. In these days, there was nothing like that. In these days, there have been only a few individuals and issues occurred very organically. After I did Kal Ho Naa Ho, Satish Kaushik liked me in that half a lot that he gave me Milenge Milenge. It was so simple as that. The subsequent 15 years after Kal Ho Na Ho had been my prime years whereby I did a whole lot of TV exhibits, movies, appearances, occasions and advertisements. It was a turning level in my profession however it was all very natural. There was no one taking care of my work. I used to be my supervisor.
How does it really feel to be part of such a trendsetter movie?
The perfect praise that I obtained not too long ago from one of many veteran actors of our trade is that if we make a listing of 20 such supporting artists, whose names will go down within the historical past of Indian cinema, my identify could be on that record in addition to the likes of Kaliya and Samba from Sholay. That was such an enormous praise and I’ll always remember it. I knew it was an enormous movie however I by no means knew what the destiny of the movie could be. Supporting artists are at all times forgotten however as we speak when individuals discuss concerning the movie, they discuss Aman, Naina and Sweetu.
What was the equation like on the units?
Very fun-loving and heat. Though I had executed a whole lot of tv exhibits, it was my first movie and I used to be the youngest member of the group. All the supporting forged was stuffed with legends and stalwarts reminiscent of Dara Singh, Reema Lagoo, Lillet Dubey, Ketki Davey and Satish Shah. I used to be the one one who was very uncooked in that complete lot. So, I obtained a whole lot of love and heat. Jaya ji was like a mom. With Saif, it was enjoyable and jokes and with Preeti, there was a whole lot of friendship. I keep in mind her approaching the units of Bigg Boss season 6 the place I used to be collaborating and she or he instructed Salman that she needed me to win.
How do you look again at this journey and your character now that the movie has accomplished over 20 years?
I look again at my expertise with immense gratitude and fondness. It was really a memorable and engaging journey. Each time I pray, I thank God for giving me this chance, because it opened many doorways in my profession. After Kal Ho Naa Ho, I went on to work in so many great movies, and the last decade that adopted was some of the fulfilling phases of my life. Even as we speak, I really feel extremely fortunate to be as related as Sweetu. Folks nonetheless look as much as me as Sweetu, and I’m past grateful for that. It’s been a joyful trip, and truthfully, phrases can’t totally describe the happiness I really feel about being a part of such an exquisite venture. Wanting again after 21 years, I notice that I can see a whole lot of Sweetu in me now. After I performed the character, I used to be not fairly like her, however as we speak, I’m extra fun-loving, constructive, and comfy in my pores and skin—very like Sweetu was. She liked her meals, liked her individuals, and most significantly, liked herself, and I see those self same qualities in myself now. I feel Sweetu, if she had been in as we speak’s world, would stay the identical—harmless but assured, comfortable in her personal house, and free from the judgment of “log kya kahenge.” She was some of the lovable characters, and I consider each lady as we speak ought to embody that very same pleasure, positivity, and self-love.
What was your fondest reminiscence of the movie?
Filming my introduction scene with Preity on the bustling prepare station, the place Shah Rukh’s character makes his grand entrance. This one-take scene was intense, with individuals shifting throughout us, Shahrukh getting into, and the vitality being each chaotic and thrilling. Nikhil, our director, had given me clear directions to offer Shah Rukh a selected look, which felt difficult as a result of I didn’t know him nicely on the time, however I went for it and it labored completely. One other unforgettable second was delivering the road, “Doosri shaadi karungi”—I did a number of variations and searching again now, it’s ironic how that line resonates in my life as we speak, nearly like a foreshadowing. I additionally vividly keep in mind Aman’s emotional demise scene; all the forged was current, and the environment was so actual that none of us wanted glycerine to cry. Working with SRK was a privilege; he has a relaxed, magnetic aura that drew me in, and I noticed how he managed each state of affairs with such grace. Being on that set was each heartwarming and hilarious, with Saif’s countless pranks and the energetic vitality of all the forged and crew.
There’s a scene the place your scarf will get tangled in SRK’s jacket buttons, which occurred unintentionally. Inform us about it…
I obtained chilly toes. I used to be scared. The scene was happening and you’ll’t say minimize until the director says minimize. He untangled it and I used to be so scared about what was going to occur. However sure it was stunning. If that scene was staged, I’d have executed it myself. However your scarf will get entangled in Shah Rukh’s jacket with out it being scripted…On one facet there may be Shah Rukh and on the opposite facet there may be Preeti and we’ve to complete the scene on time. I used to be like – Oh my God! Now what do I do? And so well, he dealt with the entire thing and the scene simply continued.
How was the expertise of sharing the display with SRK?
Sharing the display with Shahrukh Khan was an unforgettable expertise. Each time I met him, I had chilly toes due to the aura he carried. There’s an plain vitality about him that fills all the house, making everybody round him really feel impressed and in awe. Regardless of being the star and the hero of the movie, he dealt with each state of affairs with such calm and beauty. I discovered myself carefully observing him, fascinated by how he approached every scene and interacted with everybody, from the crew to the forged. He managed each second effortlessly, by no means letting his fame overshadow his down-to-earth nature. SRK is not only an unbelievable actor, but additionally a genuinely heat and humble individual. All through filming, we shared a number of moments, and every one left me with a deeper admiration for him. Working with him was not solely a privilege but additionally an excellent studying expertise I’ll at all times treasure.
