Peace over paisa: Delnaaz Irani gets real about her divorce from Rajev Paul

Actor Delnaaz Irani has opened up about her divorce from Rajeev Paul, revealing that she chose “peace over alimony” and did not receive any financial settlement. Speaking on The Male Feminist, she said, “I never got anything,” shedding fresh light on their split years after it was finalised in 2012.

The actor’s remarks bring renewed attention to a separation that, she indicated, had emotionally unravelled much earlier. Delnaaz described the process as difficult, noting that while one partner pushed for the divorce, the other was not entirely ready. Despite this, she opted to prioritise stability and move forward without pursuing alimony.

What led to Delnaaz Irani and Rajeev Paul’s divorce?

Delnaaz shared that the breakdown of the marriage was gradual, with both partners taking each other for granted over time. Coming from a close-knit, middle-class Parsi family, she said separation was not something she initially considered.

The situation was further complicated by personal challenges. Around the same time, her father suffered a heart attack in 2010 and died the following year. The actor was dealing with grief alongside the strain of a failing marriage, while also choosing to keep matters private.

Why did she forgo alimony?

Addressing the financial aspect, Delnaaz said she did not receive any alimony, describing the legal process as complex and one-sided at times. She maintained that her decision was guided by a desire for peace rather than prolonged disputes, choosing to rebuild her life independently.

What happened after their separation?

Delnaaz and Rajeev first met on the sets of Parivartan in 1993 and married in 1998. They separated in 2010, ending a marriage that lasted over a decade. Notably, both appeared on Bigg Boss 6 shortly after their divorce was finalised.

In recent years, Delnaaz has spoken about finding companionship again with DJ Percy Karkaria, with the two getting engaged after a long-term relationship.