We can’t see another Gulshan Tarapurwala besides Delnaaz Irani,” says Delnaaz Irani, recalling what the cast and crew of Chumbak told her. While Irani initially thought they were simply being nice, watching the Netflix comedy changed her mind. “Now, after watching all the episodes, I can proudly say that I cannot see any other Gulshan Tarapurwala besides me,” says Irani. The road to the role, however, was one with immense prep, both by makers Aatish Kapadia and Jamnadas Majethia and the actor. Irani rummaged through her cupboard and wore her old clothes to look the part of a Parsi mother for the audition.

“About two-and-a-half years ago at Rupali Ganguly’s birthday party, Aatish and JD told me that they are writing something for Netflix, and if it all works out they want me to do a part. I have known them since our Gujarati theatre days. Then I did Batliwala House No. 43 with them in 2005. While I have done cameos in their shows Khichidi and Baa Bahu Aur Baby, I never got a full-fledged show with them for the longest time. I feel this is something I manifested,” smiles Irani.