Actress Delnaaz Irani, known for her memorable comic performances, has opened up about playing a Parsi character in the recently released Netflix comedy series ‘Chumbak’, revealing that she had consciously avoided such roles for years.
In an exclusive quote shared with IANS, Delnaaz said she stayed away from portraying Parsi characters because the community is often depicted on screen through exaggerated accents, mannerisms and costumes.
“I have played a lot of iconic comic roles in the past, but this character is obviously very different. In fact, I had consciously said no to playing Parsi characters for the longest time. Throughout my career, I think I have played only one Parsi role, which was in Batliwala House No. 43, another show by JD and Aatish, way back in 2004-2005,” she said.
The ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ actress said she decided to take up ‘Chumbak’ because its portrayal of the Taraporewala family felt more natural and relatable.
“After so many years, I am playing a Parsi character again because I feel that whenever the Parsi community is portrayed in the industry, it often becomes a little caricature-ish. The characters are made to speak in a particular way, their outfits and mannerisms are exaggerated, and I don’t think that always feels natural,” she said.
Delnaaz noted that while ‘Batliwala House No. 43’ revolved around Parsi culture, ‘Chumbak’ features five different families, with the Taraporewalas depicted as a family audiences could genuinely relate to.
“Batliwala House No. 43 was based on the Parsi community, with the entire story and setting revolving around Parsi culture. Similarly, Chumbak features five different families, and the Taraporewalas are genuinely portrayed as the kind of Parsis you would see living in Parsi colonies. I didn’t want to play a caricature for the longest time, which is why this role felt like something I wanted to explore after so many years,” she said.
The role also offered Delnaaz an opportunity to challenge herself as an actor.
“I wanted to challenge myself as an actor and say, ‘Okay, Delnaaz, go ahead and do this. Let’s see if you can actually play a typical Parsi character.’ It was a completely different experience for me, and of course, working with JD and Aatish also drew me towards the role, the character and the entire premise,” she said.
In ‘Chumbak’, Delnaaz plays Gulshan Taraporewala, a lively and humorous quintessential Parsi mother-in-law. The series premiered on Netflix on September 10, 2026.