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PASSING THROUGH

'I am a full-time politician and a part-time actor'

An actor, a Miss India finalist, a scriptwriter, a politician, a social activist, a TV host and now a producer —
Smriti Zubin Irani
needs no introduction. Far from her saasbahu get-up, Smriti speaks to AT in a refreshing avatar

CHITRA UNNITHAN
Times News Network

Life is all about constant change for Smriti Zubin Irani, popularly known as Tulsi, who puts her heart and soul into her work. "I think one should do one's job honestly, no matter what," she says.
She has replaced the heavy saris and jewellery with a staid salwar kameez for a serial she is producing. "The simple fact is that I was an employee before, but now an employer," she smiles. Having carved her niche in the entertainment industry, Smriti calls herself more a politician than an actor. "I am a full-time politician and a part-time actor. Travelling across the country for the party gave me a sense of calm and patience. Infact it was one such visit to a remote place that made me start the NGO called People for Change and do projects that would help supply water to areas that are in pathetic conditions when it comes to infrastructure."
Her convictions seem to reflect in the characters she plays on-screen making one wonder if Smriti plays Tulsi to kids too? "My kids have not watched a single episode of my soap. I prefer that they learn from their grandparents than the television serials." Does that mean kids must not watch her serials? "Today media has entered our lives like never before. It is the responsibility of the parents to educate their children about what to watch," she says.
It is difficult not to mention Ekta Kapoor when one is talking to Smriti who stuck to her job even as most left the camp unwilling to colour their hair grey: "I have only Ekta to thank for whatever she has given to my career. I find it a pitiful reaction to her contribution to television when people unnecessarily criticise her."
A day in her life includes 20 hours of work apart from cooking for her family — and attending her kids dance and tennis classes. "I read a lot. I hardly get the time to catch up on films but the last movie I saw was Guru."
Smriti, who has acted in a number of comedy plays like feels producing has been an easy transition for her. "In spite of getting a number of awards, my art came alive through theatre where I got a lot of critical acclaim. And now as a producer and scriptwriter, I want to put the false notion to rest that women can't handle power. Women have contributed to every sector of the society and they should be looked upon as a think-tank," she signs off.