Delnaaz Irani praises Gujarat's growth during recent visit

TV Has Become More Structured Now: Delnaaz Irani

Delnaaz Irani, a seasoned actress with nearly 35 years in the entertainment industry, recently visited Ahmedabad and Vadodara in Gujarat, a state she holds close to her heart. “Gujarat is my favourite state in India,” she shared, reminiscing about her early career days performing Gujarati plays and traveling to cities like Rajkot, Bhavnagar, and Jamnagar. Reflecting on her recent trip, she expressed admiration for how Gujarat’s cities have flourished over the past two decades.

During her visit, Delnaaz explored Sindhu Bhavan Road in Ahmedabad, describing its vibrant atmosphere and the many cafes she enjoyed. She also noted her frequent work-related trips to Vadodara, a city she feels blends modernity with its cultural roots. “I feel so much at home there,” she said. Additionally, she indulged in Gujarati delicacies like patra, khandvi, and fafda-jalebi, which she makes a point to enjoy on every visit.

Delnaaz has been actively working across various mediums, including television, theatre, OTT platforms, and films. She recently appeared in the TV show *Hui Gumm Yaadein–Ek Doctor, Do Zindagiyaan*, where she reunited with actor Iqbal Khan after nearly 20 years. “It was wonderful to work with him again,” she said, adding that her role as a yesteryear superstar carried a strong message against body shaming and ageism.

Currently, she is exploring meaningful cameos in TV shows, which give her the flexibility to pursue other creative endeavors. “While I enjoy working on television, I also aspire to travel extensively and explore diverse content across different platforms and formats,” she said. Delnaaz is also working on a feel-good film titled *Zindagi Phir Bhi Khoobsurat Hai*, directed by Kapil Kaustubh Sharma, which focuses on the Parsi community.

The actress is back with the second season of her celebrity talk and food show, *Swaad Aur Sitare with Delnaaz Irani*. Unlike her acting projects, this show requires her involvement in every aspect of production, a challenge she thoroughly enjoys. She revealed that the idea of creating her own content came to her during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by the success of other artistes on platforms like YouTube.

Over the years, Delnaaz has built strong relationships in the industry, which has been instrumental in bringing celebrity guests to her show. As a passionate foodie, she incorporates food into her unscripted conversations, creating an engaging format. “There’s no script; I just like to go with the flow,” she said.

Discussing the evolving entertainment landscape, Delnaaz observed that television has become more structured due to competition from OTT platforms. “Television will always have a loyal audience, and it’s not going anywhere,” she asserted. She praised shows like *Anupamaa* and her own past project *Mannat – Har Khushi Paane Ki* for their quality storytelling. She also noted that new producers are bringing fresh ideas to television.

Delnaaz expressed her admiration for Gujarati cinema, having recently attended a screening of the film *Dhabkaaro*. She praised Deven Bhojani’s performance and expressed her desire to work on a Gujarati film. “I just told him, ‘Deven, I would love to do a project like this!’” she shared.

On social media, Delnaaz enjoys connecting with her fans through funny reels and promoting body positivity. She appreciates how platforms like Instagram allow her to stay engaged with her audience, even when her shows are not on air. “I feel truly grateful for the love and support people shower me with every day,” she said.

As she continues to evolve as an artiste, Delnaaz remains optimistic about the future of content across all formats, believing that good storytelling will always find its audience.