Smriti Irani is the current Minister of Human Resource Development in the Narendra Modi led NDA government. Smriti Zubin Irani is also a very popular Indian TV actress. She is popularly acknowledged for the famous Hindi soap opera, `Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi`, in which she essayed the principal character of Tulsi Mihir Virani. Not many people know her by her real name, as she has captured the attention of the Indian audiences with her reel identity of Tulsi. Smriti Irani wonderfully portrayed the character of Tulsi. This central character was about a dutiful daughter, perfect daughter-in-law, loyal wife, ideal mother and a sympathetic mother-in-law or saas. The character of Tulsi gained tremendous popularity in India and the credit goes to Smriti Irani. It was Smriti Irani who immortalized Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi produced by Balaji Telefims.
Early Life of Smriti Irani
Smriti Irani was born in Kolkata to a family of Punjabi–Bengali background. She was a quiet, non-adventurous and indifferent girl who was a bookworm. But, a change became clear when she gave up her studies and rather opted for distance learning course to complete her graduation in order to work in plays. When she turned 18, she decided to go to Mumbai to try her fortune in acting career. She participated in the 1998 Miss India contest and was a finalist. Before stepping into modelling, she worked as a waitress and cleaner in McDonald`s. There she served burgers, mopped the floors and cleaned tables. Smriti Irani got married to her childhood friend Zubin Irani.
Television Career of Smriti Irani
She got her first break in advertisement and as an anchor of a show Filmi Batein, present some episodes for Bakeman`s Oh La La, Aatish and Manju Singh`s Jaanam Samjha Karo, `Kavita`, a show on working women SAB TV`s Kuch Diiil Se (a reality show), and eventually the mega super show to-date Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi for Balaji Telefilms. She has a production company called `Ugraya Entertainment`. `Thodi Se Zameen Thoda Sa Aasman` was her first production. This serial was produced in collaboration with Balaji Telefilms. Besides her great attribution in Hindi TV serials she did great job in Gujrati mega soaps also.
Political Career of Smriti Irani
In the year 2003, Smriti Irani joined the Bharatiya Janata Party or BJP, which promptly gave her a ticket to fight the Lok Sabha elections from Delhi`s Chandni Chowk constituency. However, she lost the elections, but unlike other stars who deserted the party at that time, she continued with BJP. Owing to her commitment and true potential the party made her a member of the National Executive (the highest decision making body of the Party) as also Secretary BJP (Maharashtra) and a member of the Maharashtra Executive. She is also associated with several social activities. Presently, Smriti Irani holds the position of Minister of Human Resource Development in the Narendra Modi led NDA government.
Awards and Achievements
She got several Star Parivar Awards as `Favourite Bahu` in the year 2003, As `Favourite Patni` in the year 2003, as Favourite Maa in year 2004 and as Favourite Saas in the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007. She also got a Special Recognition Award in the year 2008. She also won Indian Telly Awards for Best Female Actor, Indian Television Academy Award for Best Female Actor and Best TV Personality. She is also the winner of Great Women Achievers` Award and ZEE Astitva Award.
