'I would never support a second marriage'

Smriti Irani tells us that being an adarsh bahu is not possible without an adarsh pati.

She is the country's favourite small screen bahu and a neta who has had her fair share of controversies. Actor Smriti Irani, who was recently in the city for a social campaign, gets real about her reel and political roles.

Smriti Irani on :

* How realistic is Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi?

It's a fiction melodrama based on real life as much as it could be.

* What is the purpose of the serial?

Simply to entertain.

* Are the endless soap operas better than the tighter serials which at least have a 'the end' to them?

Kyunki... is the longest running serial on Indian television. It is difficult to say which kind of serial is better, but yes, at the end of the day, it is the script that counts.

* Glamour and filmi fundas becoming an intrinsic part of serials these days

My character Tulsi is far from glamourous. In real life too, you would never mistake me to be a diva or anything of the sorts.

* How much of Tulsi--ness is there about Smriti?

Well, I try to keep Tulsi as close as possible to Smriti. But, there are times when the two characters...

are not in sync. For instance, I personally would never support a second marriage the way Tulsi does in Karan and Nandini's case. Also, very recently I refused to play a game of cards onscreen because I personally don't approve of it.

* Her latest venture as an activist
... then I became an actor. Since then, I don't plan my future.

* Her being a working woman

I have been managing both home and work quite well due to the support of my family. Also, gone are the days when a man couldn't imagine a working wife.

* Her experience on stage

My first production was launched in May and must I say how shocked the audience was to see me in short hair, wearing a business suit. In fact, a lady was kind enough to say that itni moti nahi hain!

* How does one become an aadarsh bahu?

Being an aadarsh bahu is not possible without an aadarsh pati. There is no Tulsi without Mihir.

I am a human being first and foremost, who is desirous to do her share and make this world a better place to live in.

* Is there a political dimesion to this?

There are some issues which need to be kept out of the political ambit, lest they would be caught in the usual kheecha taani. It's not about one party trying to eradicate a social ill, but all of us working together towards one common goal.

* Does religion ever come in the way of social reform?

I am a Hindu wedded to a Muslim and respect both religions equally. I believe that humanity is the greatest religion. If a child is sick, you wouldn't ask which dharm he belongs to before treating him.

* Her plans for the future

I had always wanted to be a journalist but...