Tannaz Irani plays a maharani in her first negative role
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 7, 2020)

After 27 years in showbiz, Tannaz Irani is all set for a villainous turn in Zee TV’s upcoming show, Apna Time Bhi Aayega. She plays Rajeshwari Singh Rajawat, the Maharani of the Rajawat Khandaan of Jaipur. “The grandeur of the role wowed me. I’d done this in theatre before, but on TV I have always played the chulbuli girl. In this show, there’s no comedy, only sarees and jewellery. My son said I looked like Baahubali’s mother, just as strict and firm,” she laughs.

Even though she plays a baddie, Tannaz shares that she won’t look like a typical vamp—pencil thin eyebrows, long fingernails, overthe-top makeup. “In her mind, she isn’t a vamp, she just believes in the class distinction because royalty is in her blood,” says Tannaz, who, at 48, feels blessed to get such substantial roles. They start shooting by September-end. It has been more than a decade since Tannaz was seen in a film. She returns next year with a glamorous role.

Tannaz points out that though it’s scary to shoot amidst a pandemic, even those at home are contracting the virus. “So, my husband Bakhhtyar and I have already discussed where I’d quarantine myself and how we would go about that, just in case,” she signs off.

Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 3, 2020)

While Raksha Bandhan celebrations will be low-key this year because of the Coronavirus pandemic, brother-sister duo Bakhhtyar and Delnaaz Irani are looking forward to spending the day together. “I’ve bought a special rakhi for Baktu this year; it’s a Rudraksh bracelet,” shares Delnaaz, while Bakhhtyar, who’s six years younger to her, adds that despite the lockdown, they “were in touch over video calls and occasionally, visited one another.” Excerpts:

How has your relationship evolved over the years?
Delnaaz: We are like chalk and cheese. He’s the youngest in the family and has always been like a baby to me and our elder brother Paurus (who lives in London, UK). Our bond has grown over the years to a point now where I take advice from him. The best thing is that he and Percy (Karkaria; her boyfriend) get along well.
Bakhhtyar: We used to fight a lot during childhood. When we grew up, it was more like ‘I’m here whenever you need me’. I give space to Delnaaz, but she knows if she needs me at any point, I will be with her.

What are the major points of difference you have?
Delnaaz: Ye roz phone karne wala bhai nahi hai (laughs). Paurus is that person. But I’m happy with this variation, there’s a kind of balance. Bakhtu is protective, and my 3am friend.
Bakhhtyar: She’s a career oriented person who gets upset and takes the burden of the producer on her head. Mujhe bilkul fark nahi padta. She takes duniya ka stress and I give stress (laughs). She’s the concerned kind and I’m the befikre kind.

Being a part of the same industry, does sibling rivalry exist in your equation?
Delnaaz: I was instrumental in getting him into showbiz and getting him his first show (Batliwala House No 43). So, how can there be any rivalry? I’m always proud whatever he does. I’m happy that he has found a footing in the industry by himself. I’ve given more years to the industry than he has, and he respects that.
Bakhhtyar: She has been here since much before me, and has made her mark. She’s not in my league of competition. I never compete with my family, be it my sister or my wife (Tanaaz Irani; actor). I’m fine if people call me Delnaaz’s brother. I don’t go around saying, ‘Excuse me, I’m Bakhhtyar Irani’.