Having started her television career at a very young age, she went on to do some commercially hit films. Yes, we are talking about none other than beautiful and talented Delnaaz Irani, who has stood strong through all ups and downs in her life. Here we talk to her about her journey in life so far. Excerpts: “It’s been very challenging journey for me with lot of ups and downs. In fact, it takes a lot for an actor to be in an industry for 18 to 19 years,” the adorable lady states. So, how did it start? “My first show was Commander for Shri Adhikari Brothers when I was in the 11th standard. However, Ashirvad was the turning point of my television career as my role clicked with the audience. People loved my comic image in it and from then, there was no looking back for me,” Delnaaz avers. The artiste had a rough patch in her life when she parted ways with ex-husband Rajeev Paul. But even then, she managed to continue doing well on the professional front. Ask her how did she mange it, to which she remarks, “Have you seen a Joker in a circus! And have you watched Charlie Chaplin movies. My life was like that. There is this Charlie Chaplin quote that’s apt as it says, ‘I love to walk in the rain because nobody can see my tears.’ Similarly I like doing comedy as it keeps me alive. I am both dedicated and devoted to my work and don’t think any of the personal turmoil or trauma can ever have an effect on me.” When we relate that her ex-husband Rajeev, in a recent interview, had claimed to be the most eligible bachelor, she laughs it away. We further go on to ask her if she shared similar views about herself to which she exclaims, “I am not available as I have had 14 to 15 years of marriage. As far as he is concerned, I think it’s good for him if he has made a statement like that. For me, this chapter is over and I am out of it.” Bharti Singh gained a lot of recognition and appreciation in dancing on Colors’ Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa in spite of all the weight. However, it was Delnaaz who went on to do the first ever dance reality show Nach Baliye in India with her heavy weight. Hence we asked her if she feels that the limelight that Bharti has been getting, actually belongs to her. “I think there is space for everybody here. Nach Baliye was the first reality show in which I got an opportunity to be a part of. After that, I also went ahead to do Zara Nachke Dikha,” she adds. After a little pause she comments, “Amitabh Bachchan is the superstar but then he has to make place for others, for had that not been the case, we wouldn’t have had Shah Rukh Khan or in recent times Ranbir Kapoor. We need to give space to everyone in the industry. Bharti is the chadta suraj today, tomorrow there will be someone else.” Lastly, we ask her if she believes in the institution of marriage, to which she quips, “I wouldn’t say I do not believe in it but I would not want to marry again. If someone comes to me, I could take him as a good partner for life as someone who can look after me in my old age but I wouldn’t marry him.” Does that mean you will live-in? “I cannot comment on this as I haven’t found somebody yet,” she concludes. Have a great life ahead…Delnaaz!!!