In an exclusive chat with Pinkvilla, actress Delnaaz Irani, known for her role as Sweetu in Kal Ho Naa Ho, shared her experience of working with Suhana Khan in Archies. She also looked back on her memories with Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Preity Zinta from her Kal Ho Naa Ho days, as the classic film is set to re-release in theaters.
Talking about Suhana, Delnaaz mentioned that certain traits reminded her of Shah Rukh Khan. “Both Suhana and Shah Rukh are very caring and respectful,” she said. Delnaaz admired how Suhana, despite being SRK’s daughter, was down-to-earth and polite. She added, “Suhana could have had starry tantrums, but she was so respectful. When Suhana, Agastya Nanda, and Khushi Kapoor met me, they all called me Sweetu. It was heartwarming.”
Delnaaz also felt a special bond with the young Archies actors because she had worked with their parents. She recalled working with Jaya Bachchan (Agastya’s grandmother) in Kal Ho Naa Ho, Shah Rukh in films like Bhoothnath and Ra.One, and Khushi’s parents, Boney Kapoor and Sridevi, during Milenge Milenge.
Recalling her time with Shah Rukh, Preity, and Saif on Kal Ho Naa Ho, Delnaaz shared that she first met SRK during the filming of the Haldi song in India, before the shoot moved to New York. She remembered being so starstruck when Karan Johar introduced her to SRK that she couldn’t even speak properly. “He has a beautiful aura; he’s so positive, warm, and caring on set that anyone would fall for his charm,” she shared.
Delnaaz also remembered shopping in New York during filming, where she bought a tote bag that Preity Zinta ended up using in a scene. She reminisced about shopping trips and meals with Preity and many fun conversations with Karan Johar about the film. She credits Kal Ho Naa Ho as a game-changer in her career, calling it a “gift from God” that opened doors to more acting roles, dance shows, and appearances.
Reflecting on her career, Delnaaz feels grateful for the opportunities Kal Ho Naa Ho brought her. She went on to work in films like Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa, Humko Deewana Kar Gaye, and shows such as Yes Boss, Bigg Boss 6, and Choti Sarrdaarni.
With Kal Ho Naa Ho re-releasing in theaters on November 15, fans are excited to see this timeless film back on the big screen. Directed by Nikkhil Advani and produced by Karan Johar, the film first came out on November 28, 2003.
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