Mumbai, September 13 (Daily Kiran) : Delnaaz Irani, a well-known actress recognized for her memorable characters, is stepping into new territory with her role in Netflix’s latest series, “Chumbak.” For years, she deliberately avoided portraying Parsi characters, but this time, she found a compelling reason to embrace the challenge.
In a recent interview, Delnaaz explained her long-standing reluctance to take on Parsi roles. She felt that the community was often misrepresented on screen, with exaggerated accents, clothing, and mannerisms that did not resonate with reality. When the opportunity for “Chumbak” arose, she sensed that she could portray her character authentically, without the usual theatrical embellishments.
Reflecting on her career, Delnaaz shared, “I’ve played many well-known comedic roles, but the character in ‘Chumbak’ is quite different. I had intentionally avoided Parsi roles for a long time. In fact, I only played one Parsi character previously in the 2004-2005 show ‘Batliwala House No. 43.’ Since then, I hadn’t revisited that aspect of my career.”
She further elaborated on the typical portrayals of Parsis in entertainment, stating, “Often, Parsi characters are depicted in an overly comedic and artificial manner. Their speech, attire, and gestures are exaggerated, which doesn’t always feel genuine.”
In “Chumbak,” the Taraporwala family is represented in a relatable way. The series weaves together the stories of five different families, showcasing the Taraporwala family as a reflection of real Parsi households. Delnaaz appreciated this authentic representation, emphasizing her desire to avoid roles that reduce a community to mere caricatures. “It was important for me that the character had a human aspect that audiences could connect with,” she noted.
Taking on the role was also a chance for Delnaaz to challenge herself as an actress. She expressed a desire to explore whether she could convincingly portray a typical Parsi character. “This experience was unique for me, as it allowed me to step away from my comedic roles and delve into a character where humor coexists with identity and family dynamics,” she added.
In “Chumbak,” Delnaaz plays Gulshan Taraporwala, a lively and cheerful Parsi mother-in-law. The series, which premiered on September 10, 2026, intertwines the narratives of five families, exploring various relationships and familial situations.
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