Tannaz Irani recently starred in Margao Files alongside Zeenat Aman, Shilpa Shinde, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, and others. She played the role of a corrupt, hard-hitting constable with a comic flair. In a candid conversation with mid-day, Tannaz opens up about the evolution of the industry, her debut with Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan’s chemistry, and much more.
Tannaz Irani on getting inspired by Ranveer Singh
Tannaz Irani credits Ranveer Singh as the biggest inspiration behind her performance. She says, “I wanted to play it a little like the characters you see in Rohit Shetty films. I based my performance on Ranveer Singh because I absolutely loved the way he was in Simmba. I wanted to portray the character as someone relatable to today’s generation.”
While Margao Files was made in 2022, it finally made its way to streaming in 2026. Asked if the wait was taxing, Tannaz said, “I think it’s come at the correct time. At that time, I was going through a different phase of life as I injured my leg and underwent surgery.”
She added, “That phase made me depressed and negative. It made me feel jealous of people who could walk because my ball-and-socket joints were just not moving; they were stuck to each other.”
Tannaz on the evolution of the industry
Asked how the film industry has changed over the years, Tannaz Irani acknowledged that the doors are now more open to newcomers, but it has lost the camaraderie that once existed among actors.
She explained, “One thing that is missing is that personal touch and the way we bonded off-screen. That has become a little difficult. Previously, I could just walk into Abhishek Bachchan’s or Hrithik Roshan’s van. I don’t know whether we can do that anymore.”
Tannaz on Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai
Recalling her experience of shooting Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Tannaz shared, “We were all very young at that time, and we felt like we ruled the world.”
Before the film’s release, Tannaz was already a household name because of her work in several television shows. When the cast landed at Singapore airport for a shoot, she received significant attention from fans.
The attention she received made her feel bad for Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel. She recalled apologising to them, saying, “You both are the leads, and when the movie releases, people won’t look at me.”
She added, “I think we were too naive. I also remember we were eating on the bus in New Zealand because we were exhausted after the shoot. I just miss those days.”
Calling Hrithik one of the most wonderful co-stars to work with, she said, “He knows his craft very well, but he doesn’t make fun of anyone. He will not look down on you or show attitude.”
Tannaz on Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai
The bond between Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan grew during Bunty Aur Babli and deepened during Umrao Jaan. However, according to Tannaz, their connection was visible much earlier while filming Kuch Naa Kaho.
“We saw that spark on the sets of Kuch Naa Kaho,” she revealed.
Admiring Aishwarya’s beauty, Tannaz added, “When I was working with her, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I told her, ‘Aishwarya, if I’m this starstruck, every man in the world will be starstruck.’ She’s just so beautiful. She has wonderful features and such a beautiful face. She’s like a statue—God has created her so beautifully.”