From calling ‘Sweetu’ in Kal Ho Naa Ho more than just a ‘fat friend’ to speaking about her divorce with ex-husband Rajeev Paul and alimony, Delnaaz Irani opens up about her life

Seasoned actress Delnaaz Irani, who has been a part of some of the popular projects on television and films, recently opened up about her life. In an interview with The Male Feminist, the actress spoke about her famous character of Sweetu from Kal Ho Na Ho and stated how her role was not portrayed merely as just a ‘fat friend’ for comic relief. She also discussed her divorce and alimony from ex-Rajeev Paul and participating in Bigg Boss with him. (Photo: Instagram)

Many girls auditioned for the role before me, including some of my friends and colleagues. Even after I was cast, people felt they could have done it and wondered why I got the part. But after the film released, Sweetu became Sweetu. She was not shown as just a ‘fat friend’ for comic relief. She was a proper character who commanded respect for friendship. In the 70s and 80s, such roles were often used only for humour. But here, she was an integral part of the film and was treated as an equal. (Photo: Instagram)

The costumes were designed according to the character. It was designed by Manish Malhotra, he didn't style me to look glamorous. Mujhe lagta hai main abhi bhi Sweeta character ke popularity ka kha rahi hoon. Even today, after 22 years, people still remember me as Sweetu, and I would love to play a character like that again. I was told the role was of a plump girl, but I never felt it was demeaning in any way. I auditioned with full conviction. I truly believe that nothing is more important than conviction in life—you need that strength and belief in yourself. So I gave it my all. I thought, ‘It’s a plump girl’s role? That’s fine, I’ll do my best—then let the work speak.’ (Photo: Instagram)

When I recently did Archie’s for Netflix, the description was of a middle-aged, voluptuous woman. There was a certain way the character was written, but that didn’t bother me. The best part for me was that I always wanted to work with Zoya Akhtar, and I got to do those two scenes with her. That’s what matters to me as an artist. If you love acting, that’s your passion. Whether I play a fat, thin, comic, serious, crying or laughing role—it shouldn’t matter. My job is to reach the set on time, work hard, and give my best with full conviction. (Photo: Instagram)

In Bigg Boss, my kindness was often seen as fakeness. People thought I wasn’t real. But the ones who truly mattered—my family, close friends, and colleagues who had worked with me—knew who I really am. I was focused on the game, but I also knew that once the show ends, you step back into the real world where your true self matters. You have to show people who you really are. It surprised me how kindness is often misunderstood as weakness instead of strength. I believe that if people start seeing kindness, compassion, and goodness as strength, the world would become a much better place. (Photo: Instagram)

It’s not scripted at all. It’s a game—you’re not going there for a satsang, you’re going into Bigg Boss. And every year, it just keeps getting tougher. When so much money is involved, you have to be at your best. I didn’t know that my ex, Rajeev Paul, would be coming on the show, but somewhere I did wonder why they chose me. I’ve never had issues with any producer or anyone in my career—I’ve always been easygoing. So I did feel that maybe they were bringing in a divorce angle. (Photo: Instagram)

As a divorcee, I knew it was up to me to handle things with dignity and maintain my respect and my family’s respect. But yes, it was a shock when Rajeev entered the show. The moment I saw him, I told myself to treat him like any other contestant—just like Aashka Goradia, Urvashi Dholakia, Rajesh Khattar, or Niketan Madhok—just another housemate. (Photo: Instagram)

Many discussions happened between us as a couple about what’s not working. But in a relationship, people take each other for granted, and probably that happened with me. My partner kept taking me for granted, probably he did not realise that the matter was going to turn serious. There was nothing like divorce in my dictionary. From where I come, a middle-class, Parsi family, my parents were together for so many years, even my nana-nani. We were never exposed to that concept, despite being open-minded and liberal. That does not mean that we would take divorce lightly. The emotional turmoil was a struggle for the longest time. (Photo: Instagram)

I did not share with my parents that I was going through problems in my marriage. My father suffered a heart attack in 2010 and passed away in 2011. I never got anything. The divorce was messy because one person wanted it and the other did not. I chose my peace over everything. You have to pick up the broken pieces and live life again. (Photo: Instagram)