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Delnaaz takes poore duniya ka stress, whiIe I give stress, says Bakhhtyar
While Raksha Bandhan celebrations will be low-key this year because of the pandemic, brother-sister duo Bakhhtyar and Delnaaz Irani are looking forward to spending the day together. “I’ve bought a special rakhi for Baktu this year; it’s a Rudraksh bracelet,” shares Delnaaz, while Bakhhtyar, who’s six years younger to her, adds that despite the lockdown, they “were in touch over video calls and occasionally, visited one another.” Excerpts:
How has your relationship evolved over the years?
We are like chalk and cheese. He’s the youngest in the family and has always been like a baby to me and our elder brother Paurus (who lives in London, UK). Our bond has grown over the years to a point now where I take advice from him. The best thing is that he and Percy (Karkaria; her boyfriend) get along well.
We used to fight a lot during childhood. When we grew up, it was more like ‘I’m here whenever you need me’. I give space to Delnaaz, but she knows if she needs me at any point, I will be with her.
Delnaaz: Bakhhtyar:
What are the major points of difference you have?
Ye roz phone karne wala bhai nahi hai (laughs). Paurus is that person. But I’m happy with this variation, there’s a kind of balance. Bakhtu is protective, and my 3am friend.
Delnaaz: Bakhhtyar:
She’s a career oriented person who gets upset and takes the burden of the producer on her head. Mujhe bilkul fark nahi padta. She takes duniya ka stress and I give stress (laughs). She’s the concerned kind and I’m the befikre kind.
Being a part of the same industry, does sibling rivalry exist in your equation?
Delnaaz:
I was instrumental in getting him into showbiz and getting him his first show (Batliwala House No. 43). So, how can there be any rivalry? I’m always proud whatever he does. I’m happy that he has found a footing in the industry by himself. I’ve given more years to the industry than he has, and he respects that.
She has been here since much before me, and has made her mark. She’s not in my league of competition. I never compete with my family, be it my sister
Bakhhtyar:
NOTE TO READERS: Some of the coverage that appears on our pages is paid for by the concerned brands. No sponsored content does or shall appear in any part of HT without it being declared as such to our valued readers. or my wife (Tanaaz Irani; actor). I’m fine if people call me Delnaaz’s brother. I don’t go around saying, ‘Excuse me, I’m Bakhhtyar Irani’.
American comedian and TV show host Ellen DeGeneres may be ready to say goodbye to her talk show as an investigation into toxic workplace claims is underway. According to Fox News, the 62-year-old talk-show host has been in talks with producers of the show, and is considering pulling the plug entirely, reports DNA.
A Telepictures’ insider revealed to Daily Mail, “She feels she can’t go on and the only way to recover her personal brand from this is to shut down the show.”
Aprajita Sharad
Often when watching men in uniform, on screen, emotions of pride and respect overwhelm us. Films based on the armed forces have mostly done well due to the same sentiment. But now, with OTT platforms churning out more content everyday, there are ample shows based on or revolving around the armed forces. And some of them have been accused of “distorting the image of the Indian Army”. The Defence Ministry recently wrote a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) seeking the need for all production houses to obtain an NOC from the Ministry before the telecast of any film, documentary or web series which has an “Army theme”.
“Whenever a film is made on the Army, even after getting it censored you still have to show the film to the Chief of Army. The same guidelines will now be enforced on OTT platforms,” informs Atul Mohan, trade analyst, adding that this was a necessary step. “People take cinematic liberties; like the recent Ekta Kapoor series which was taken as an insult to the military. This is why the need of an NOC arose,” adds Mohan veering the discussion towards OTT censorship.
“Hollywood puts out propaganda but also makes scathing, critical films about the US armed forces. Shouldn’t MoD work with filmmakers to highlight both glories and critical thinking about the forces? Mature democracies like ours must trust its creative people and its audiences. It is hazardous to lie and infantilise our youth. Equally, filmmakers may introspect about artistic integrity and truth. Needless sensationalism or titillation is equally problematic. The result is loss of credibility for censors and filmmakers alike. An arbitrary regime of NOCs is no solution. It’s in direct conflict with right to free speech and fundamental democratic principles,” opines National Award winning filmmaker Ashvin Kumar.
Industry insiders feel the “problem stems from misrepresenting facts or showing blasphemous or derogatory content”. Directorproducer Samar Khan says, “Mistakes happen, but all creative people have a self censorship compass inside. This isn’t a move to clamour anything. It will encourage makers to take care of how the Army is represented.”