Dilnaz Irani opens up on 'Sukhee' co-star Shilpa Shetty: " I found myself just watching her.."

It seems like we're in the midst of a chick flick season at the theaters, with consecutive releases: 'Sukhee,' followed by 'Thank You For Coming.' 'Sukhee,' featuring Shilpa Shetty in the lead role alongside Kusha Kapila, Dilnaz Irani, and others, is all set to grace the silver screen tomorrow.

Recently, actress Dilnaz Irani engaged in an insightful conversation with India Forums. During the interview, she delved into her entry in the film 'Sukhee,' her bond with Shilpa Shetty, the impact of women-authored stories, and various other intriguing topics.

When asked about what made her do 'Sukhee', she said, 

"Initially, when I auditioned for the film, there was quite a long gap, and honestly, I almost forgot about it. Then, nearly a year later, I received a call about the project. At that time, I was engaged in multiple other projects, and I contemplated not taking up this film. However, Mukesh Shabra suggested I meet the director before making a decision. I wasn't very keen initially, thinking it was just another call from a different number. But that meeting turned out to be an engaging and lengthy two-and-a-half-hour conversation with the director, Sonal."

She further explained, 

"Sonal passionately explained the film and each character in intricate detail, even embodying the characters as she spoke. What struck me was the message she wanted to convey. It was about self-love and the societal conditioning that often leads women to neglect themselves in favor of others, be it at work or at home. Sonal wanted to convey this message in a light-hearted and entertaining way, avoiding the preachy and serious tone. The message resonated deeply with me, as I've observed many women, whether in our families or communities, facing this dilemma. It felt like a universal message that could relate to women across ages, backgrounds, and classes."

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She then concluded, 

"After the meeting, I was determined to be part of this project, regardless of the role's size or outcome. I told my manager to work out the logistics because I felt strongly about contributing to this important message. So, it really boiled down to this simple decision."

Talking about her camaraderie with Shilpa Shetty, she said, 

"It was truly a wonderful experience, and I gained a lot from it. Shilpa is such a sweet person. There were moments when I found myself just watching her, especially during the trailer launch event where some questions were rather uncomfortable. But she handled them gracefully, with a touch of playfulness and mischief. I was genuinely impressed by her response and thought, 'Wow, she's something else.' So, yes, it wasn't just a fun journey; it was a valuable learning experience as well."

When asked, it actually makes a difference in the kind of storytelling when women write women? To this Dilnaz responded, 

"I believe it truly makes a difference. I've been a part of many women-centric films and even women-centric plays due to my theater background. Sometimes, even when the storytelling is beautifully done, there's a small nuance that makes you think, 'This seems like it was written or directed by a man.' It's a subtle feeling that might go unnoticed by many, but there's something special about being involved in a women's film where the script, direction, and narration all come from a woman. I genuinely think it reflects in the final product. It adds a unique perspective."

'Sukhee' is all set to hit the big screens on 22nd September 2023. 

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