Delnaaz Irani on typecasting: 'I'm still reaping benefits of playing Sweetu'
Synopsis
Delnaaz Irani isn't fighting typecasting — she's celebrating it. Speaking at 'Chumbak' promotions in Mumbai, she said she's still living off the goodwill of playing Sweetu in 'Kal Ho Naa Ho', and argues that being synonymous with a beloved character is a mark of an actor's impact, not a creative dead end.
Key Takeaways
Delnaaz Irani said she is comfortable with typecasting, calling it the industry's stamp of approval on her skills.
She credited her role as Sweetu in 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' as a cornerstone of her sustained career.
Irani made the remarks during promotions of 'Chumbak' , now streaming on Netflix , in BKC, Mumbai .
She was joined at the event by co-stars Arjun Bijlani , Helly Shah , Anant Joshi , and Amyra Dastur .
The actress said actors should embrace audience perception while remaining open to exploring new roles.
Actress Delnaaz Irani says she is entirely at ease with being typecast in the Hindi film and television industry, describing it as the industry's way of validating her expertise as a performer. The actress made the remarks during promotions of her new streaming show 'Chumbak', now available on Netflix, in the BKC area of Mumbai on 23 September 2026.
Irani's Take on Typecasting
Speaking alongside co-stars Arjun Bijlani, Helly Shah, Anant Joshi, and Amyra Dastur, Irani said she has made peace with the idea of being associated with specific kinds of roles. "Main aaj tak Sweetu ka hi kha rahi hoon" (I'm still reaping the benefits of playing Sweetu), she said with characteristic candour, referencing her beloved role from the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'.
She explained her reasoning in clear terms: "At least you are being recognised as an actor for your work, and for your forte. When people think of comedy, they think of me. I see it as a good thing."
The Legacy of Sweetu
Irani's portrayal of Sweetu in 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' has endured as one of Hindi cinema's most warmly remembered supporting characters. Decades after the film's release, the character continues to define public perception of the actress — something she does not resist. "If an artiste's image is shaped up because of the work they have done, so be it," she noted.
She added a nuanced qualifier: "As an actor, it's important to explore, I'm in no way against it. But, if your work has fetched you value in society or industry, one should respect it — we should embrace what the audience thinks of us." The remark reflects a pragmatic view that sits at odds with the more common narrative of actors chafing against typecasting.
About 'Chumbak' and Its Reception
The show 'Chumbak', which features Irani alongside a prominent ensemble cast, has drawn a strong early response from viewers. The actress's performance in particular has been highlighted as a standout element. The series is currently streaming on Netflix.
This is among the more notable streaming roles Irani has taken on, and the early reception suggests her instinct — to lean into, rather than away from, her established comedic identity — may be paying off once again.
Point of View
Even as they bank on iconic roles for decades. The Sweetu remark is telling: a single supporting character from a 2003 film continues to drive bookings, which says more about the scarcity of truly memorable supporting performances in Hindi cinema than about any limitation in Irani's range. The real story here is structural — streaming platforms like Netflix are now the venue where character actors, long squeezed out of theatrical films, are finding substantive work again. Whether 'Chumbak' extends her range or confirms it, the industry's appetite for her particular register is clearly intact.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Delnaaz Irani say about typecasting?
Delnaaz Irani said she is comfortable with typecasting, viewing it as the industry's recognition of her expertise in a particular kind of role. She said, 'At least you are being recognised as an actor for your work, and for your forte.'
What is the 'Sweetu' role Delnaaz Irani refers to?
Sweetu is the character Irani played in the Shah Rukh Khan -starrer 'Kal Ho Naa Ho', which has become one of the most beloved supporting roles in Hindi cinema. Irani says she is still reaping the career benefits of that performance.
What is 'Chumbak' and where can it be watched?
'Chumbak' is a recently released streaming show featuring Delnaaz Irani, Arjun Bijlani, Helly Shah, Anant Joshi, and Amyra Dastur. It is currently available to stream on Netflix.
Where did Delnaaz Irani speak about typecasting?
She made these remarks during promotions of 'Chumbak' held in the BKC area of Mumbai on 23 September 2026, in a joint interaction with her co-stars.
Does Delnaaz Irani think actors should avoid being typecast?
Irani said exploration is important and she is not against it, but argued that actors should also respect and embrace the value their most recognised work has earned them with audiences.
