Few public figures in India can boast a trajectory as diverse and impactful as Smriti Zubin Irani. From her rise as a household name in Indian television as the beloved Tulsi Virani to becoming a formidable force in Indian politics, her journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of new horizons. With the recent announcement of her return to the small screen as Tulsi in "KyunkiSaas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2," Smriti Irani's multi-faceted career continues to inspire and intrigue.
The Reign of Tulsi Virani: Television's Enduring
Matriarch
Born on March 23, 1976, in New Delhi, Smriti Irani (née
Malhotra) initially ventured into the world of modeling. She was a participant
in the Miss India 1998 pageant, even appearing in a music video with
Mika Singh. However, her true calling came in the year 2000, when she landed
the lead role of Tulsi Virani in Ekta Kapoor's groundbreaking daily
soap, "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi."
The show, which redefined Indian television, turned Smriti
Irani into an overnight sensation. Her portrayal of Tulsi, the ideal
daughter-in-law who evolved into a strong, principled matriarch, resonated with
millions across the nation. "Kyunki" dominated TRP charts for eight
years, running from 2000 to 2008 and airing over 1,800 episodes. Smriti's
powerful performance earned her an unprecedented five consecutive ITA Awards
for Best Actress (Popular) and four Indian Telly Awards, cementing
her legacy as one of Indian television's most iconic figures.
Beyond "Kyunki," Smriti Irani also starred in
other notable television series, including:
- Ramayan
(2001): Where she famously played Sita.
- Virrudh
(2007): As Vasudha Sushant Sharma, a show she also produced.
- Thodi
Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan (2006): Another show she co-produced and
starred in as Uma.
- Maniben.com
(2009): A popular comedy series.
A Bold Transition: From Television Star to Political
Powerhouse
In 2003, at the peak of her acting career, Smriti Irani made
a bold and unconventional move, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This marked the beginning of an extraordinary political journey that would see
her rise through the ranks with remarkable speed.
Her political career highlights include:
- Early
Entry & Leadership: She quickly became vice-president of the
Maharashtra Youth Wing in 2004. In 2010, she was appointed National
Secretary of the BJP and subsequently became the All India President of
the BJP Mahila Morcha (women's wing).
- Rajya
Sabha Member: In 2011, she was elected to the Rajya Sabha (the
upper house of India's Parliament) from Gujarat.
- Amethi
& Lok Sabha: Her spirited campaigns against Rahul Gandhi in the Amethi
constituency for the Lok Sabha elections gained national attention. After
an unsuccessful attempt in 2014, she famously defeated Rahul Gandhi in
2019, a historic victory that broke the Gandhi family's stronghold on
the constituency for decades. Though she lost the 2024 Lok Sabha elections
from Amethi, her legacy in the constituency remains significant.
- Union
Cabinet Minister: Smriti Irani held several key portfolios in the
Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government:
- Minister
of Human Resource Development (2014-2016): She was the first woman to
hold this crucial portfolio.
- Minister
of Textiles (2016-2021).
- Minister
of Information and Broadcasting (2017-2018).
- Minister
of Women and Child Development (2019-2024): A role in which she
spearheaded significant policy initiatives.
- Minister
of Minority Affairs (2022-2024): Becoming the first non-Muslim to
hold this position.
- Key
Initiatives & Achievements: During her ministerial tenures, she
was instrumental in several initiatives, including the formulation of the National
Education Policy (NEP), the launch of SWAYAM (an online
learning platform), and the POSHAN Tracker, a massive digital
platform for nutrition delivery to women and children. She was also
recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader.
The Comeback: Tulsi Virani Returns!
In a move that has sent shockwaves of excitement across the
Indian entertainment landscape, Smriti Irani is set to reprise her role as
Tulsi Virani in "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2," scheduled
to premiere on StarPlus and JioCinema from July 29, 2025. This highly
anticipated comeback after nearly two decades away from acting has generated
immense buzz, promising to bring the iconic character back to life for a new
generation while rekindling nostalgia for long-time fans.
A Legacy of Influence:
Smriti Irani's career is a testament to her versatility,
resilience, and sharp intellect. She has navigated the demanding worlds of
entertainment and politics with grace and conviction, leaving a significant
impact in both spheres. Her ability to connect with the masses, whether as the
beloved Tulsi or as a powerful political voice, underscores her unique position
in India's public eye. As she steps back into the shoes of her most iconic
character, Smriti Irani continues to exemplify a remarkable journey of
transformation and enduring influence.
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