Smriti Irani reveals why she is making her acting comeback after years, says ‘people have forgotten my…’

Ever since the return of ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ has been announced, people cannot wait to see the modern-day Tulsi Virani and Mihir. Since the announcement, all eyes have been on the leads of the show, Smriti Irani. Smriti, who was once television’s beloved bahu, transitioned to a cabinet minister, shaping national policy. Nearly after two decades later, Irani is returning to the world of showbiz in a way that has both fans and critics curious.

She confirmed her presence as Tulsi Virani, a character from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. While a lot of people now associate her with politics, her journey began in front of the camera

Smriti Irani on her comeback as Tulsi Virani

“I always did. I had a break only when I became a Cabinet minister. But I am so glad that as a Cabinet minister, I became so prominent that people never envisioned me as anything but a minister. My role as a Cabinet minister became so prominent that people have forgotten my other roles,” she said, reflecting on how her political identity took center stage.

Smriti Irani on managing both politics and acting

Speaking about balancing both politics and her acting career, she said that she has always kept her dual lives separate. While politicians and karyakartas knew her only as a leader, many on the sets of the show were shocked to discover her grasp on politics and legislation. She also shared how a karyakarta in Bijnor said, “Didi, my mother wanted me to get a picture with you,” when news broke about her return to television. “Now both worlds are coming together, which never happened earlier,” she said.

As she is all geared up for her comeback, Smriti said that it’s a limited series in collaboration with Uday Shankar and Ekta Kapoor, incorporating a renewed lens on today’s youth and socio-political relevance. Speaking of how things have changed, she said that earlier, acting had little preparation, but now, even script readings are detailed. Interestingly, the actors were curious not about the script, but about Parliament, governance, and legislation, turning the set into a political workshop more than a media one.

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