Smriti Irani, a name etched into Indian television history, is once again preparing to step back into the role that made her a household name, Tulsi Virani from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Her return has reignited nostalgia among fans, but behind the scenes, her journey to stardom was anything but easy. In a recent interview, Smriti opened up about her harrowing work schedule during the 2000s and the personal struggles she silently endured to stay in the game.
Working Through Trauma
Few knew the real challenges Smriti faced while filming for the mega-hit show. At the peak of her career, she worked relentlessly even through deeply personal moments. She revealed that after giving birth to her son, she was back on set just three days later. “I was part of a daily soap and the audience expected a fresh episode at 10:30 p.m. every night,” she said.
Her toughest moment came when she suffered a miscarriage during the shoot. Despite being granted a week’s leave by late producer Ravi Chopra, the pressure of daily telecasts didn’t allow her time to grieve. In a shocking revelation, Smriti shared that someone from the production falsely told Ekta Kapoor that she was lying about her miscarriage. Smriti responded by going back to the hospital and presenting her reports as proof.
Multitasking Between Motherhood and TV Commitments
Alongside her role in Kyunki, Smriti was also working on another show titled Kuch Dil Se. The team required her to shoot a full month of episodes in advance. Shortly after giving birth, she resumed work within 30 days. Her family and doctors expressed concern, but she soldiered on professionally and silently.
In a heartbreaking moment, Smriti recalled being fired unexpectedly. “I’m in the hospital after giving birth to my baby, and I get a wire: ‘You’re fired.’ And I’d just shot a day before,” she said. She didn’t protest, instead choosing to trust the process. Producers had already lined up her replacement, used her pre-recorded scenes, and moved ahead. Smriti didn’t lash out. Instead, she calmly said karma would take its course. Eventually, a film actor was brought in to revive the show, but the project flopped and never returned.
Smriti’s television journey began with the serial Aatish and later Kavita on DD Metro. But it was Balaji Telefilms’ Kyunki that brought her unmatched recognition. The show ran from 2000 to 2008 and became one of the most successful Indian soaps in history.
The announcement of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi returning to screens with Smriti Irani reprising her role has sparked excitement nationwide. With the show set to relaunch on July 29, fans are ready to welcome Tulsi back into their homes.
A Transition into Politics and Public Service
In 2003, Smriti joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking the start of her political career. By 2004, she became the Vice President of the Maharashtra Youth Wing. Her most notable political achievement came in 2019 when she defeated Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Amethi to become a Member of Parliament. Her rise from television’s beloved daughter-in-law to a strong political figure is a testament to her willpower.
