The veteran actress says her portrayal of Gulshan Taraporewala on Netflix could become as beloved as her iconic TV characters, marking a fresh start at 54.
Delnaaz Irani announced that her turn as Gulshan Taraporewala in Netflix’s new comedy Chumbak feels like a career‑defining moment. "This is my second innings at 54," she told the media, adding that the part could stay with audiences for years.
The series brings together a mix of seasoned and fresh faces – Neena Gupta, Deven Bhojani, Amyra Dastur, Anant V. Joshi and others – each slipping into their roles with what Irani described as "absolutely marvellous" casting. She credited Netflix’s JD and Aatish Kapadia for assembling a team that feels "fresh" and perfectly matched.
Irani highlighted the natural chemistry that developed between the on‑screen families. Whether it was the pairing of Deven and Neena, the banter of Sumit Vyas with Manasi Parekh, or the rhythm shared by Sumeet Raghavan and Sandeepa, the interactions never seemed forced. "Everyone was genuinely comfortable," she noted, and that ease translated into effortless humor on screen.
The set’s atmosphere, according to Irani, was kept lively by a few key players. Arjun Bijlani earned the title of chief prankster, while Amyra Dastur’s boundless energy made her the "heart of the team". Their antics, Irani said, kept the mood upbeat and spilled over into their scenes, adding a layer of spontaneity that audiences will likely feel.
Irani also spoke fondly of her on‑screen son, played by Anant V. Joshi. She praised his ability to disappear into the character Freddy Taraporewala, noting that viewers would see the son rather than the actor. Their off‑camera camaraderie, she added, meant there was "hardly a dull moment" during filming.
Beyond personal satisfaction, Irani sees Chumbak as a potential gateway for many of her television‑grown colleagues. She believes that a successful run on a global streaming platform could act as a jackpot, opening doors for TV talent to transition into OTT projects, be it series or films.
The actress hopes the audience will embrace Gulshan as warmly as they once did with Sweetu, the beloved character from her earlier work. "If people love the show, I am sure they will also love Gulshan," she said, underscoring her desire for the role to resonate long after the credits roll.
With the series set to drop later this month, all eyes will be on whether this blend of veteran skill and youthful vigor can capture the streaming crowd. If it does, Delnaaz Irani’s second innings might just become the benchmark for TV actors eyeing the OTT arena.
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