
Key Highlights
- Smriti Irani is reprising her iconic role of Tulsi Virani in the reboot of the popular TV show “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.”
- She has firmly denied rumors of retiring from politics, stating, “Who retires at the age of 49?”
- Irani views her return to television as another platform to be a “voice of the people” and highlight social issues.
- She emphasized her long political career, noting she has been a three-time MP and handled five ministries, with a “long way to go.”
- The new version of the show is set to premiere on Star Plus from July 29 at 10:30 PM.
Mumbai: Smriti Irani, who became a household name as Tulsi Virani in the blockbuster TV show ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, is making a much-anticipated comeback to the small screen. Her return to her most famous role after nearly 25 years has created immense excitement among fans but also sparked widespread speculation about her political future.
However, Irani has personally put an end to these rumors, clarifying that her return to acting does not signal an exit from politics.
“Who Retires at 49?” Irani on Her Political Future
In a recent interview, Smriti Irani addressed the speculation head-on, dismissing any notion of retiring from her political career.
“Who retires at the age of 49? Many people’s careers haven’t even started by then,” she stated bluntly. “I have been an MP three times, have handled five ministries, there is still a long way to go.”
She explained that her decision to return to acting is about embracing opportunities, not choosing one career over another. “People don’t have a choice in life, I have. It is my nature to live life in detail,” she said.
Irani sees this as another powerful avenue to connect with the public and address societal concerns. “If you have a position where you can become the voice of the people, then only a fool will miss such an opportunity,” she remarked.
A Glance at Smriti Irani’s Dual Careers
Formidable Political Journey
Smriti Irani joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2003 and has since built a formidable political career.
- She is currently a BJP MP from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
- She has served as a Union Minister, handling key portfolios like Human Resource Development, Textiles, and Women and Child Development.
- She was a Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat (2011–2019) and a Lok Sabha member from Amethi (2019–2024).
Iconic Television Career
Before her political ascent, Irani was one of television’s biggest stars.
- Her first notable appearance was in Mika Singh’s 1998 music video ‘Sawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag’.
- She began her acting career in 2000 with shows like ‘Aatish’ and ‘Hum Hain Kal Aaj Aur Kal’.
- Her role as Tulsi Virani in ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ made her a cultural icon across India.
The Return of Tulsi
Fans can once again see Smriti Irani embody the character of Tulsi Virani in the reboot of ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’. The show will premiere on Star Plus, starting July 29, and will air at 10:30 PM. This time, she returns not just as an actress but as a veteran artist and a seasoned political leader, ready to navigate both worlds.