Smriti Irani’s life is a remarkable testament to grit, reinvention, and relentless ambition. From humble beginnings to the heights of political power, and most recently, a return to her acting roots, her story continues to inspire millions of Indians. Her recent comeback on the show 'Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi', which will air on TV screen after 25 years has sent a wave of excitement and nostalgia amidst millennials who grew up watching the show. Let's dive into Smriti's life curve.
Born Smriti Malhotra in Delhi in 1976, Smriti grew up in a middle-class Punjabi-Bengali family. Her father ran a courier service, and her mother worked in the education sector. Smriti’s journey to self-reliance began very young.
At 17, she sold cosmetics on the streets of Janpath in Delhi, earning just ₹200 a day. A year later, she took a job with a courier company that required her to start at 4 a.m. at Palam airport, deliver packages to Delhi railway station, check parcels at the godown, and then return to East of Kailash to prepare rosters.
Not one to limit her aspirations, Smriti dreamed of owning a part of the logistics business she worked in. At 19, she traveled to Mumbai with hopes of buying into the company but lacked the funds to make it happen. She couldn't make ends meet which is why she asked her father for a loan and he helped her with ₹2 lakh. The only condition was that she return the money after a year. After a year of struggle, coincidentally, Smriti signed the Balaji Telefilms 'Kyuki' on the exact same day her father lent her the money.
Beauty pageant and humble beginnings in Mumbai
In her early twenties, Smriti tried her luck in the glamour world by participating in the Miss India pageant. Though she reached the finals, it did not immediately bring her success. With no job offers, she found herself struggling to pay rent and basic expenses in Mumbai.
In a moment she often recounts with pride and humility, Smriti took a job at India’s first McDonald’s outlet. Under her maiden name, Smriti Malhotra, she swept floors and washed dishes for ₹1,800 a month. Far from being disheartened, she credits those days with teaching her dignity of labour and the value of perseverance.
Rise to television stardom
Smriti’s fortunes turned when she entered the world of television. Her big break came in 2000 when she was cast as Tulsi Virani in Ekta Kapoor’s iconic soap opera Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The role made her a household name and earned her several awards. For over eight years, Indian audiences watched her evolve from a young bride into the matriarch of the Virani family.
Entry into politics
While many saw her only as Tulsi, Smriti was already preparing for a different stage: politics. She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2003. Over the next decade, she steadily rose through the party ranks. In 2011, she was appointed BJP National Secretary, and soon after, she became the President of the BJP Mahila Morcha.
Smriti first contested the 2004 Lok Sabha election from Chandni Chowk in Delhi but lost. Undeterred, she continued working in the party organisation. In 2014, she was fielded against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. Though she lost narrowly, her spirited campaign earned respect across party lines. In 2019, she returned to challenge Rahul again-and this time, she defeated him by a significant margin, marking a historic victory.
As a Union Minister, Smriti has held several key portfolios, including Human Resource Development, Textiles, and Women & Child Development. She is recognised for her firm administrative style and focus on social issues.
Personal life and recent return to acting
Smriti married businessman Zubin Irani in 2001. Together, they have two children-a son, Zohr, and a daughter, Zoish. She is also a stepmother to Shanelle Irani, Zubin’s daughter from his first marriage.
Smriti announced her return to the iconic TV show 'Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' after 25 years. Fans and followers of the show are nostalgic and sharing their share of memories attached with the show on social media.
