Smriti Irani’s big statement on Tulsi’s return, the real reason for returning to TV after 25 years
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Tulsi returns after 25 years
When the first promo of the reboot of “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” was released, social media erupted with excitement.
In an exclusive conversation with NDTV’s Shiv Aroor, Smriti Irani opened up about stepping into the shoes of her beloved character Tulsi Virani after a quarter of a century.
When asked if she was nervous about the comeback, Irani said with her typical confidence: “I am a politician, nothing will ever make me nervous.”
Handling two high-pressure worlds
Describing herself as a “full-time politician, part-time actress”, Irani emphasised that she is not alone in holding multiple professional identities.
“Just like many politicians are part-time lawyers, teachers, or journalists. I am just a part-time actress,” she explained.
“The only difference? When I am doing my second job, I have a camera crew, a makeup person and a script writer with me. I am just in the spotlight.”
25 years of a unique journey
At 49, Irani reflects on her remarkable dual career with genuine gratitude.
“25 years of journey in both media and politics at the age of 49… It’s a blessing,” she shared.
“In the history of our country, no one has achieved success in both these competitive fields, especially as a woman who has been at the pinnacle of the game for two and a half decades in a row.”
Fight for respect for TV
Despite television’s huge economic impact—generating nearly ₹30,000 crore last year alone—Irani believes the medium doesn’t get the respect it deserves.
“Television still gets the step-motherly treatment,” she said. “Films get the biggest traction.
OTT stars now have their own sensibilities that are celebrated. But TV? It’s not an easy job. We work 12 hours straight every day.
You have to prove your talent every day. The sector employs about 2.5 million people in our country.”
Beyond the criticism
When reminded that the original show promoted patriarchal values, Irani straightaway rejected such claims.
“The criticism was not constructive. The show raised issues like marital rape, euthanasia and literacy 25 years ago—issues that mainstream cinema did not touch,” she explained.
“We brought in pay parity where your talent determined your pay, not your gender.
Ekta was given a dead slot of 10:30 pm and she made primetime from there.”
Staying grounded in public life
For Irani, maintaining relatability while navigating both entertainment and politics has been key.
“People have seen my journey from an actress to a political leader. You always want to make sure that relatability remains.
Even if people disagree with certain views, they should still listen to you. Humility should be at the centre.”
A message for trolls
After years in public life, Irani has developed a thick skin against critics.
“If you are in public life, you have to be prepared for it. You can’t take advantage of the victim card,” she advised.
“You are at a higher level where you recognise that this could be a person’s way of getting out of the challenges of their life.
Just take it with a pinch of salt.”
“Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” reboot will premiere on Star Plus on July 29 at 10:30 pm, with original producer Ekta Kapoor returning to helm the project.
