EXCLUSIVE: Delnaaz Irani reacts to Sweetu returning to theatres as Kal Ho Na Ho re-releases; says, “I’m planning to watch it 4–5 times” 4 : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama (original) (raw)
Delnaaz Irani, who has entertained audiences with her impeccable comedy in many films and shows, played the memorable role of Sweetu in the Nikhil Advani directorial and Karan Johar production Kal Ho Naa Ho that starred Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan in the lead. With the film re-releasing in theatres on November 15, Delnaaz couldn’t be more ecstatic and revealed how she manifested this. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Delnaaz shared many anecdotes about the film, about working with an ensemble cast and how Sweetu continues to stay alive in the hearts of everyone even after two decades.
EXCLUSIVE: Delnaaz Irani reacts to Sweetu returning to theatres as Kal Ho Na Ho re-releases; says, “I’m planning to watch it 4–5 times”
The film is re-releasing in theatres… how does that feel? Are you planning to go and watch it?
I am shocked, surprised, and so thrilled. I manifested this! I was watching Bhool Bhulaiyaa (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3) in theatres, and I saw the trailer of Karan Arjun. I told Percy how I wished that even Kal Ho Naa Ho would be re-released. And the next morning, I saw this news and felt like I was on cloud nine! All my friends are super excited. I’m going to go with all my friends in a group, and we’re all going to watch it together. I’m planning to watch it 4–5 times.
What qualities of Sweetu do you still see in yourself, even 21 years after the film’s release?
I see a lot of Sweetu’s qualities in me now, after 21 years. Delnaaz wasn’t Sweetu when I originally played the role. Today, I’m more of a fun-loving, positive person who feels free and comfortable in my own skin. I take everything very positively now, and I can feel Sweetu in me. Sweetu was someone who loved her food, her people, and especially herself, and today I am that person.
There’s a scene where Preity says Sweetu’s future husband will leave her, so what will she do after that? She says, “Doosri shaadi kar loongi (I’ll get remarried).” The scene was hilarious, and when I watched it, the entire theatre burst into laughter… What is your memory of shooting that scene?
When I shot that scene with Preity, it was a very important scene for me because it was kind of my introduction. It was a one-take scene where we were walking through the station, people were passing by, Shah Rukh’s entry was happening, and Frankie’s presence added to the chaos. But Nikhil explained the scene to me very clearly and said he wanted me to give one distinct look to Shah Rukh. I told him I didn’t know how, and he said, “You just have to do it.” For the “doosri shaadi kar loongi” line, I had 3–4 variations, and it was hilarious even then. Looking back 21 years later, that line makes so much sense—aur kya karungi (what else will I do)? If ek chhod ke gaya toh doosri shaadi kar loongi (if one man leaves, I will obviously get remarried)! I didn’t realize that this line would one day be so meaningful. They say once in a day, Lord Saraswati listens to what you say and makes it happen, so you need to be mindful! I didn’t realize it back then, but now, 21 years later, I’m actually with a DJ. It’s ironic. So everything that happened with Sweetu in Kal Ho Naa Ho innocently happened with Delnaaz too. I found that scene stunning in the entire movie. It was a learning experience because there was so much happening with Shah Rukh’s entry, Rima ji, Preity and me walking in, and Frankie being there. There was so much drama, but it was written, directed, and performed so beautifully—it came out picture-perfect.
Since Saif and Shah Rukh together come across as such pranksters, were they the same on set? Were you a victim of any of their pranks?
Haha, no, I wasn’t a victim of any pranks. Saif was very fun-loving and very cute. We had a lot of fun, and he would often pull pranks with the young directors Punnet, Siddharth, Tarun Mansukhani, and Arjun. Saif would sit with them and prank so much. He was definitely a prankster, but there were no pranks on me, haha. We talked about a lot of things. But yes, I would get cold feet every time I met Shah Rukh. He has this aura and energy—I used to observe his calm energy, dealing with every situation with such grace, being the star and hero of the film. I watched him so closely. What a man he is! We shared many memorable moments together.
If Kal Ho Naa Ho were remade for this generation… how different do you think Sweetu would be?
I think Sweetu would just be the same. I don’t think Sweetu should change in any generation because she was one of the most lovable characters in the film. She was innocent, yet she knew what she wanted, unlike other characters. She was very happy in her own space, and I feel every girl today should be like Sweetu—uninhibited, without worrying about “log kya kahenge” situations.
What was the atmosphere like while shooting the film’s ending scenes?
Oh my God! The last scene, Aman’s death scene—I clearly remember I had a TV shoot scheduled. We used to have combination shoots, so I asked my director if I could get a day off. He said, “Look, Delnaaz, this is a very big sequence, the most important part of the film, and I need you in this scene.” I made sure that somehow I made things work out and was there for that shot. Oh, I’m so glad I made sure I was a part of Aman’s big death scene, which was so crucial to the film. The actors present in that scene made it complete. The atmosphere was so real that none of the actors used glycerin—everyone was actually crying, which made the whole scene very memorable.
Last but not least… how does Delnaaz Irani look back and describe her experience of playing Sweetu?
My experience was very memorable and fascinating. Every time I pray, I thank God for giving me Kal Ho Naa Ho. It opened many doors in my career, leading to so many wonderful films afterward. Those were the most wonderful years, and the 10 years after Kal Ho Naa Ho were a beautiful phase. I think I’m still as relevant as Sweetu. People still see me as Sweetu, and honestly, I’m at a loss for words. I’m very, very grateful. It’s been a wonderful joyride that I cannot describe in words.
More Pages: Kal Ho Naa Ho Box Office Collection , Kal Ho Naa Ho Movie Review
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