Smriti Irani is ready to step back into the world that first made her a household name. The actor-turned-politician is returning to television with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, bringing back the iconic character of Tulsi Virani. While fans eagerly await the revival of the show that changed the face of Indian television, Smriti recently spoke about how she balances her demanding political career with her television commitments.
In a conversation with NDTV, Smriti offered a candid take on managing both roles. She described herself as a politician first, and an actor only occasionally. “Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is a side project,” she remarked, clarifying that while people tend to associate the show closely with her, it has always been a collective effort. From actors to writers, it was the work of an entire team. Smriti admitted she may be the most recognisable face from the show, but emphasized that she is primarily a full-time politician now. Comparing herself to others in politics who continue to practice law or teach, she explained that it’s not unusual to juggle multiple professions. “I just happen to be doing it simultaneously, which is difficult to grasp. I am just the one in the spotlight,” she added.
Addressing criticism that Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi reinforced regressive family values, Smriti remained unbothered. She made it clear that the backlash never came from informed quarters. “Couldn’t care less, because the criticism was not constructive or informed,” she stated. She defended the show by pointing out that it addressed issues well ahead of its time. According to her, the series spoke about topics like marital rape, adult literacy, and euthanasia 25 years ago, subjects that mainstream cinema refused to touch back then. The show wasn’t just a dramatic family saga but also a platform that opened conversations within the boundaries of family entertainment.
She went on to highlight another achievement of the show’s early years, initiating pay parity within the industry. At a time when pay scales heavily favored male actors, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi ensured that payment was based on talent and not gender. Smriti credited Ektaa Kapoor’s vision for that shift. Kapoor was initially handed the 10:30 pm slot, which was considered dead air time. Yet, with this show, they transformed it into prime time
Talking about her emotions surrounding this comeback, Smriti reflected on her journey so far. For her, the idea of returning to a medium that made her a public figure carries a sense of purpose, not nostalgia. She said, “For a 49-year-old to have a 25-year run, not only in media, but also politics… That is a blessed run,” acknowledging that very few in India have managed to remain at the top in two highly competitive industries for over two decades.
She added that being a woman and managing to hold her ground in both fields makes the achievement even more meaningful. According to Smriti, this longevity isn’t solely about hard work. She credited destiny and luck for playing their parts in her journey, believing that such rare opportunities are often guided by forces beyond one’s control.
As the new season prepares to hit screens, Smriti Irani stands not just as an actor making a comeback, but as a seasoned public figure reflecting on a career shaped by ambition, resilience, and timing. While the audience waits for Tulsi Virani’s return, Smriti continues to navigate two vastly different worlds with the same confidence she’s carried for years.
