Smriti Irani at 50: A journey from television icon to political heavyweight

Smriti Zubin Irani turns 50 today, marking a career that has spanned modelling, television superstardom, brand visibility, and over two decades in Indian politics with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Early in her career, Irani also briefly worked at McDonald’s in New Delhi, an experience she has often cited as part of her formative years before entering the entertainment industry.

Born Smriti Malhotra in 1976, Irani began her professional journey in the late 1990s, taking on modelling assignments and early advertising work. She featured in campaigns at a time when television advertising was rapidly expanding.

Notably, she maintained a selective stance on brand endorsements, choosing to avoid categories such as tobacco and alcohol, aligning her public image with personal convictions.

Her breakthrough came with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, produced by Ekta Kapoor, where she played Tulsi Virani. The show went on to become one of the most-watched programmes in Indian television history, earning Irani widespread acclaim and multiple awards. Her portrayal of Tulsi became a cultural touchpoint, cementing her as one of the defining faces of early 2000s Hindi television.

After a successful run in the entertainment industry as an actor, producer and public figure, Irani transitioned into politics in 2003, joining the BJP as a karyakarta. Over the next 22 years, she steadily rose through the party ranks. She served as National President of the BJP Mahila Morcha from 2010 to 2013, in addition to holding roles as National Secretary (two terms) and National Executive Member across five terms, reflecting her deep organisational involvement.

Irani’s parliamentary journey began in 2011 when she entered the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat, serving until 2019. She later moved to the Lok Sabha, representing the Amethi constituency in Uttar Pradesh from 2019 to 2024, marking a significant phase in her electoral career.

During her tenure in the Union Cabinet, Irani handled multiple portfolios, including Information and Broadcasting between July 2017 and May 2018. In this role, she oversaw the 48th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in November 2017.

Under the government’s Accessible India Campaign, that edition saw cinematic works being presented in audio-described formats for the visually impaired, marking a notable step towards inclusivity in film exhibition.

In the same financial year (FY 2017), during her tenure as I&B Minister, state-run broadcaster Doordarshan reported revenues of Rs 827.51 crore, surpassing its target of Rs 800 crore, an indicator of improved performance in the public broadcasting space.

Beyond Information and Broadcasting, Irani has also handled key ministries including Human Resource Development, Textiles, Women and Child Development, and Minority Affairs, contributing to policy and programme implementation across sectors. Her tenure as Textiles Minister, in particular, saw campaigns such as #IWearHandloom gain traction, blending cultural advocacy with digital outreach.

In 2025, Irani returned to her acting roots, reprising her iconic role of Tulsi Virani in the sequel to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, nearly two decades after stepping away from television. The move marked a rare crossover back into entertainment for a senior political figure and reignited audience nostalgia.

As she completes five decades, Irani’s journey stands out for its breadth and reinvention, from early advertising assignments and television dominance to a sustained political career at the national level.