Delnaaz Irani on Iqbal Khan: 'Happy, calm and lovable' after years apart
Synopsis
Delnaaz Irani's cameo in Hui Gumm Yaadein is more than a guest appearance — it reunites her with Karam Apna Apna co-star Iqbal Khan and hands her a role she says carries a message about age shaming and body shaming that 'strongly needed to be told.' The character of Chandni Khanna, a faded 90s superstar, puts a spotlight on how the industry discards women with age.
Key Takeaways
Delnaaz Irani has made a cameo in Hui Gumm Yaadein , produced by Sobo Films .
She reunited with Iqbal Khan , her co-actor from Karam Apna Apna , on the show's set.
Irani plays Chandni Khanna , a former 1990s superstar grappling with public invisibility as she ages.
The role addresses age shaming and body shaming — themes Irani said she felt strongly needed representation.
She previously worked with Sobo Films on Rajnandani and praised director Noel Smit for his calm, professional approach.
Actress Delnaaz Irani has reunited with longtime co-actor Iqbal Khan on the set of Hui Gumm Yaadein, describing the experience as 'amazing' and calling Khan 'a happy, calm and lovable person.' The reunion comes years after the two shared screen space on the popular show Karam Apna Apna.
A Reunion Rooted in Fond Memories
'We had some great memories of that show and now working with him on this set is amazing,' Irani said. 'I really loved working with Iqbal after so many years,' she added, underscoring the warmth their on-set dynamic has carried across decades.
The Character: A 90s Superstar Grappling with Invisibility
Irani plays Chandni Khanna, described as a former superstar in the mould of a 1990s Hindi film heroine. 'She has a fandom and is flamboyant, but with age she is kind of feeling that no one will ask her anymore — not the paps, not the journalists, and neither the fans,' the actress explained. She noted that the role carries a powerful message about age shaming and body shaming — themes she felt strongly needed to be told.
Why She Said Yes to a Cameo
Despite the appearance being a cameo, Irani said the substance of the role was the decisive factor. 'Usually when there is a cameo you see how meaty the role is, so as an actor I wanted to understand the role,' she said. The themes resonated deeply enough for her to commit.
A Familiar Banner and a Calm Director
This is not Irani's first collaboration with production house Sobo Films — she previously featured in their show Rajnandani, and that prior association made the decision easier. She praised director Noel Smit for his composure on set: 'When the director is calm and knows the job so well, everything works smoothly.' She also commended the production's professionalism, calling the cast and crew 'excellent' and 'very respectful.'
What to Watch For
With Hui Gumm Yaadein now in production, audiences can expect Irani's portrayal of Chandni Khanna to anchor a storyline that pushes back against the entertainment industry's treatment of women as they age — a conversation that remains as relevant in 2025 as ever.
Point of View
Journalists, and fans simply because she has aged — is not fiction; it is a documented pattern. That a seasoned actress is choosing a cameo specifically because it carries this message says something about the scarcity of such roles. Mainstream entertainment coverage will likely focus on the reunion angle; the more important story is why a leading actress needs a cameo to find a role that speaks to her experience.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Delnaaz Irani playing in Hui Gumm Yaadein?
Delnaaz Irani plays Chandni Khanna, a former superstar modelled on a 1990s Hindi film heroine who struggles with fading public attention as she ages. The character is central to the show's themes of age shaming and body shaming.
How does Delnaaz Irani know Iqbal Khan?
Delnaaz Irani and Iqbal Khan previously worked together on the television show Karam Apna Apna. Their reunion on Hui Gumm Yaadein marks their first on-screen collaboration in several years.
Why did Delnaaz Irani agree to do a cameo in Hui Gumm Yaadein?
Irani said the deciding factor was the depth of the role itself rather than its size. She was drawn to the character's message about age shaming and body shaming, themes she felt strongly deserved to be told.
Who is directing Hui Gumm Yaadein?
The show is directed by Noel Smit and produced by Sobo Films. Irani praised Smit for his calm, knowledgeable approach on set, crediting it with making the production run smoothly.
Has Delnaaz Irani worked with Sobo Films before?
Yes. Delnaaz Irani previously featured in Sobo Films' show Rajnandani. Her existing relationship with the banner made her decision to join Hui Gumm Yaadein easier.
