Former Cabinet minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani, now 49, has surprised both political and entertainment circles by announcing her return to television, reprising the iconic role of Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, premiering July 29. Despite stepping back into the fictional world that made her a household name, she has been emphatic: this is a side project, not an exit from politics.
Not Retiring – Just Adding a Dimension
In a candid conversation with a national news channel, Irani quipped “Meri marzi” – it’s her personal choice to return as Tulsi. She made clear that acting does not signal a political retirement, dismissing suggestions she’s moving away from public service. She reminded audiences, “Who retires at 49?” pointing out that she has already served as an MP three times and held key ministerial roles. The comeback, she says, is a creative extension of her journey, not a distraction from it.
Political Timing and Perspective
Her return to the screen coincides with a perceptible shift in her political tone. Irani confirmed she is no longer in the habit of targeting Rahul Gandhi – an evolution she attributes to Gandhi’s own strategy. She remarked that the Gandhi family chose not to contest from Amethi in 2024, so there was “no one to chase.” She unapologetically stated she “would have absolutely defeated him again” had he contested, suggesting her combative stance was always in response to political competition.
Reflecting on her career, she emphasised her role in Amethi from 2014 to 2019 – when she overturned Rahul Gandhi’s decade-long hold on the constituency. She spoke of extensive grassroots work: building homes, improving electricity, setting up a medical college and fire station. However, she acknowledged the difference between performance and electoral equations, hinting at the unpredictable nature of Indian politics.
From Modest Beginnings to Maritime Stardom
Irani’s comeback has sparked nostalgia. The reboot brings back original cast members including Amar Upadhyay (Mihir), Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, and others. The original series—debuted in 2000—was a cultural phenomenon that catapulted Irani into fame and helped launch the careers of dozens in the cast. Irani herself recalls earning a meagre ₹1,800 per month at the start, working as a cleaner before her big break. Today, she reportedly earns ₹14 lakh per episode, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in Indian television.
Balancing Two Worlds
Despite the glitz, Irani emphasises she remains grounded in political life. She refers to herself as a “full-time politician and part-time actor”, noting that she has paid her dues in both arenas. She dismissed critics, saying trolling comes with being in the public eye. She added that engaging in fictional drama does not detract from her real-world responsibilities.
In interviews, she acknowledges the emotional weight of her return to television – but also the continuation of her political journey. While she did not confirm future electoral plans suggesting the party will decide, she left the door open for a comeback in 2025, 2026, or beyond.
Significance for Indian Media and Politics
Irani’s dual role underscores a unique phenomenon in Indian public life: where television fame and political authority often intersect. Her comeback blurs the lines between entertainment narrative and political identity. Ekta Kapoor, the show’s producer, has hinted that the series will tackle substantive issues – not just melodrama – signaling a more mature storytelling approach.
Her return also taps into a nostalgia wave. Families that once gathered nightly for Tulsi may now welcome the familiar character again, even as India’s media ecosystem has expanded to offer diverse narratives on OTT platforms. Rebuilding that connection with legacy television while staying rooted in politics reflects Irani’s shrewd understanding of both arenas.
