“Who retires at 49... people are just starting their careers": Smriti Irani on political journey, Amethi loss and acting comeback

New Delhi [India], July 23 (ANI): Former Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani has dismissed suggestions of retirement from politics, saying that the journey is far from over and hinting at an earlier-than-expected comeback. 

In an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak, Irani reflected on her political career, addressed speculation surrounding her 2024 Lok Sabha loss from Amethi, and spoke about her return to television after more than a decade, reprising her iconic role as Tulsi Virani. 

Responding to speculation about her political comeback, Irani said, “Why talk about 2029? Who knows what BJP will say in 2029? Why not 2026 or even 2025?” She emphasised that despite not being in the Lok Sabha, she remains actively engaged in public life. 

"People talk about me during mayoral elections, assembly elections, and parliamentary elections -- because my name is Smriti Irani. I have been an MP three times, served as a minister in five departments. Who retires at 49... people are just starting their careers,” she said.

Irani said that it was for the BJP to decide when and where she will serve next, but added that she has proven her competence in Parliament. 

On her 2024 Lok Sabha loss from Amethi, Irani pointed out that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi chose not to contest from the constituency this time. “Now, it’s not my responsibility to be aggressive toward Rahul Gandhi. In 2024, the Gandhi family refused to face me. I can't chase after them,” she said. 

Citing political history, she said losing from Amethi is not new for big leaders. “Sharad Yadav lost from Amethi, Menaka Gandhi lost. The Gandhi family only chose that seat due to favourable social equations,” Irani said. She added that her defeat would have been more painful had she not worked extensively in Amethi between 2014 and 2019. 

"From cleaning drains to building one lakh homes and setting up a medical college, I lived among the people and worked at the grassroots," she said. 

“I don’t live life in a limited or narrow way. If life is lived from only one perspective, then what kind of life is that? I entered national politics because I felt that there are many issues in our society that need attention -- whether through politics or through the media," she added. 

In a major development that made her fans happy, Irani is making her acting comeback after a decade and a half, reprising her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in the second term of “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.” After 25 years, India's iconic daily soap is returning with the original cast, including Smriti Irani, who became a household name with her character Tulsi. While the release date of 'Kyunki...Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' 2 has not been disclosed yet; the first look of Smriti as Tulsi was leaked recently, leaving fans nostalgic. 

“Why did I decide to return to acting? The answer may sound childish, but because I wanted to. I’ve always been like this,” she said with a laugh. “That show brought a revolution in television. Back then, there were no women producing series, nor were there many women leading as central characters. We defined television in a unique way,” she added. 

Acknowledging how the medium has evolved, Irani expressed excitement about reconnecting with her audience, saying, “I was Tulsi for eight years. Television has changed a lot since then, but the bond with the audience remains." 

When asked about her aggressive demeanour in politics, she said, “A person becomes aggressive when their beliefs are challenged. You saw me angry in Parliament when derogatory remarks were made against President Droupadi Murmu. I was angry while defending the dignity of the President of India.” 

“I joined politics because I felt there were many issues in our society that needed attention. Whether it’s through politics or media, if you've earned a platform where people listen, only a fool would waste that opportunity,” she added. (ANI)