New Delhi: Smriti Irani, renowned for her role as Tulsi Virani in the iconic television series ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ (KSBKBT), recently talked about her journey as an actress and the strategic decisions that shaped her career. Despite achieving significant success in the entertainment industry, Smriti turned down certain opportunities, including an audition for Farhan Akhtar's acclaimed film ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, endorsements for pan masala brands and wedding performances.
In an interview with Brut, Smriti Irani recounted her early struggles as an actor. She talked about refusing roles that contradicted her professional integrity. According to Smriti, “When I left I was the highest-paid actor in Indian television. But I also had a few conditions. I missed many opportunities where I would not do a pan masala ad. I was very clear that this is not how I perceived myself to be. I would not go to weddings. There was a lot of money in that, but I had a different view of myself as a professional.”
She elaborated on her decision to prioritise dignity and familial responsibilities over opportunities, such as starring roles in films. Despite being offered ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, she declined due to her reluctance to portray stereotypical female characters. She explained: “I had familial responsibilities. I didn’t want it to become an embarrassment for my family members so I wanted to lead my life as an actor with dignity. I made choices where even in the first 3 months of KSBKBT I was offered main leads in movies but I had decided I’ll have a baby and I knew if I’m wanting to have a baby, I can’t be some heroine running around trees. One of those movies was Dil Chahta Hai which I said no to audition and they were like ‘are you mad, this is DCH. It was not Preity Zinta’s role for sure but it was one of the other ladies who was there, one of the main leads.”
Smriti Irani's Political Journey
Turning the spotlight to Smriti Irani's political endeavours, the actress is currently a Member of Parliament representing Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. She secured a historic victory over Rahul Gandhi, who had held the seat since 2004.