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Delnaaz Irani was married to actor Rajeev Paul for 14 years before the two decided to part ways in 2010. Since then, the actor has been in a steady relationship with DJ Percy Karkaria for almost a decade. In a recent interaction, she opened up about why, despite being in a long-term relationship, she isn’t looking for marriage and admitted that she initially felt insecure because of the age difference between them.
Talking about her bitter divorce and how Percy helped her heal, Delnaaz told Hindi Rush, “Percy is also a divorcee. He too had a very bitter divorce. Although initially, he was very keen on getting married, my apprehension was strong — also because he’s nine years younger than me. It might sound silly, but when you’re emotionally broken and someone new enters your life, it takes time to understand them and to trust again.”
Delnaaz called Percy an “angel” and admitted that after her previous relationship, he took care of her. She said, “He brought back my laughter, gave me happiness, support, and removed my insecurities. He made me believe in love again.”
She also explained why she doesn’t feel the need to formalise their relationship. “To give a name to this relationship feels unnecessary. We’re life partners and soulmates. Even if I sign a paper today, that won’t change anything — because, for me, he’s already my husband. My heart and soul are with Percy,” she said.
The couple’s decision also stems from their spiritual beliefs. “I became very superstitious after everything that happened. Both of us believe in astrology and tarot cards, and interestingly, everyone we met said the same thing — ‘Stay the way you are, don’t get married.’ It’s like when a doctor tells you not to do something for your own good. For me, marriage felt like that stamp that could change the energy between us, and I didn’t want to risk losing Percy,” she shared.
She added, “I don’t have a degree from IIT or IIM, but I know what’s truly important — not the marriage certificate, but the person who’s stood by me all these years.”
Delnaaz also hit back at trolls who target her for dating someone younger, saying she has the full support of her family and friends. “What is society? And where is this society when you’re emotionally broken or struggling for work?” she asked.
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Reflecting on her previous marriage, Delnaaz revealed why she and Rajeev Paul decided to go their separate ways. “If two people are unhappy together, it’s better to part ways. If every day feels full of friction and negativity, it’s unhealthy for both. That’s why my ex-husband and I decided to separate. It wasn’t easy, but it was the wise thing to do. We both come from strong, value-based families, and neither of us wanted our marriage to end. But after trying and thinking deeply, that was the decision we had to make,” she said.
