Smriti is bravehearted

Smriti Irani

Exactly a decade ago, a young girl from Delhi packed her bags to shift to Mumbai with dreams in her eyes and determination to make it big in the world of entertainment.


Her family wasn't too glad with her decision, but there was no stopping her. We are talking about Smriti Iraani who shifted base in 1998 and has today made a mark for herself not just as the favourite bahu of television, but as a career woman, efficiently balancing her work and home.
"When I came to Mumbai, there were more chances of me failing than succeeding. I'd never participated in drama, I was this complete bookworm, some one who never projected ambition. It was naturally scary for my parents," says Smriti. "But I told them success or failure, it should be attributed only to me."

She participated in the Femina Miss India contest and that helped her immensely. "It was fantastic. I learned how to talk, how to present oneself. Of course I still haven't learnt much of it! But at least it gave me the exposure." And a few insights in life as well. Smriti relates how the night before the contest somebody made a caricature of her and slipped it into her room. "The one thing that taught me is about people's perceptions. That people will always have a certain view about you, whether you agree with them or not."

From working at a fast food outlet to walking long distances to studios for auditions, Smriti has done it all in Mumbai. And then Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi happened to her after which there was no looking back. She played Tulsi for seven years and quit the show. But she's back again now. Smriti's quite amused when people ask her how she feels about returning to the show. "Why is everyone asking me that? How am I supposed to feel? I never had a gap. No matter where I went, my audience stayed with me. I have been one of those rare actors who's managed to retain the love and respect of people. Stars come and go, actors remain. And among them very few manage to become family members," she says. About producer Ekta Kapoor, Smriti maintains, "I never question Ekta. When I was asked to leave the show, I didn't question her. When she said she wanted me back, I just agreed."

Acting apart, Smriti was one of the first actors to turn producer. "Some people were apprehensive initially. But the one person who believed in me was writer Kamlesh Pandey. It was our mutual support that translated into the good work," she says.
Her shows Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasman and Viruddh may not have raked in the highest TRPs, but they were different from the usual. "My work has never been repetitive. Thodi Si... was like a breath of fresh air. Also, with the kind of awards we received for Viruddh, it reinforced the fact that the industry supports my work." Her current show Mere Apne has Vinod Khanna and getting him on TV was, of course, another feather in her cap.

Like Khanna, Smriti too is into politics. She is the national secretary for BJP and a member of the national executive. Not to forget she has her home and kids to look after as well. The lady has been balancing it all with ease. But what about rumours some time ago that she was too stressed out and fainted on the sets. "There's no truth in that. It takes a lot to shake me up. I have led a life not meant for the fainthearted!" she smiles.

cheers

resh