Delnaaz Irani and her former husband Rajeev Paul were contestants on the sixth season of the well-known reality series Bigg Boss. In a recent discussion, Delnaaz reflected on her experiences in the Bigg Boss house, her tumultuous divorce from Rajeev in 2012, and her current relationship with fiancé DJ Percy.
In an interview with Mashable India, Delnaaz expressed that her genuine kindness during Bigg Boss Season 6 was often misinterpreted as insincerity or weakness. She remarked, “My kindness was perceived as fake. While some viewers thought I was pretending, those who truly mattered—like my colleagues and family—understood who I really am. I focused on the competition, but I also wanted to present my true self to the outside world. Unfortunately, kindness is frequently seen as a flaw rather than a strength.”
Delnaaz also refuted allegations that the show is fabricated. “Many people inquired whether it was scripted, but it absolutely isn’t. The challenges of Bigg Boss intensify each year, and it’s a significant competition with substantial financial rewards. You have to excel in it, and you can’t complain about your experiences afterward,” she stated.
She shared that she was unaware of Rajeev Paul’s entry as a wildcard contestant. “I didn’t anticipate my ex-husband Rajeev joining the show. However, I did wonder why I was approached for Bigg Boss, given that I hadn’t had any major disputes or controversies in my career. Then I realized they weren’t inviting an artist, but a divorcee. It was a shock, and upon seeing him, I decided to treat him like any other participant,” she elaborated.
When discussing her divorce from Rajeev, Delnaaz described it as “unfortunate.” She explained, “When you’re mentally and emotionally detached from a relationship, it feels like living with a stranger. Many announce their divorces publicly, but for me, the relationship had ended well before 2010, even before it became known to others.”
She noted that being taken for granted in a relationship had its consequences. “Sometimes in a relationship, you start taking each other for granted, and that can be detrimental. My partner continually overlooked my feelings, and he perhaps didn’t realize how serious the situation had become. The concept of divorce was not something I ever considered. The emotional distress lasted quite a while,” she remarked.
Delnaaz chose not to confide in her family during that difficult time. “Coming from a middle-class Parsi family, where my parents and grandparents had long-lasting marriages, I didn’t share my struggles with them for many years. My friends were somewhat aware, but I felt it was important not to burden my parents, even though I’m certain they would have supported me,” she said.
She added that she did not pursue any financial compensation from the divorce. “I never received anything. The divorce became complicated because one person sought it while the other did not, leading to controversies filled with misconceptions. I opted for peace over conflict. Although it’s easier said than done, you have to gather yourself and move forward,” she explained.
Delnaaz found love again with her fiancé Percy in 2013. When asked why they have not married, she commented, “It’s challenging to rebuild a relationship after enduring a long-term one that ends. I didn’t label this relationship in any conventional way; I feel calling him just a boyfriend diminishes his significance. He has restored so much that I thought I had lost. However, I also have my superstitions.”
She further expressed, “I fear that if I were to sign a marriage certificate, it wouldn’t be the same as our current bond. I’m scared of losing him. Percy is a divorcee too, and together we are two people who have experienced pain and are now creating a life together.”
Delnaaz Irani and Rajeev Paul first met on the set of Parivartan in 1993 and married in 1998, with their divorce finalized in 2012.
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