Smriti Irani shuts down retirement buzz: Career does not even start at 49

India Today

5 days ago

Smriti Irani, who held various significant roles within the Union Cabinet during her political journey, sparked a retirement buzz when she announced her comeback on the screen with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The actor-politician put the buzz to rest and said 49 is not the age to retire.Speaking exclusively to India Today, she said, "Who retires at 49. People's careers do not even start at 49. I have been an MP thrice, I have been a minister of three departments. There is still a long way to go."advertisementIrani added, "I do not know when and where the party will turn, what responsibility it will give. I do not know. I know this much that at least through the parliament, I established my ability. I have also done politics of dharnas for 10 years. I have also served a sentence in jail," she said.
When asked what prompted her to return to daily soaps after such a long political innings, Irani replied with her trademark candour and humour. She laughed and admitted it might sound childish, but said simply: "My wish."Irani added, "I have always been like this. Look, people don't have a choice. I do. It is not my nature to live life in a subtle way. If you live life from one aspect, then what kind of living is that?"Reflecting on her journey from acting to politics and now returning to the screen, Irani said both media and politics offer platforms to influence change and reflect public sentiment."I also joined politics because I realised that there are many things in our society that need to be noticed by people. Be it through politics or through the media. If you have made your position such that you attract people's attention, you become a reflection of the people, you become the voice of the people, then only a fool would miss such an opportunity," she said.Coming from a film background herself, Smriti Irani was asked about the backlash over Bollywood's silence on Operation Sindoor. While many questioned why actors remained quiet, Irani emphasised that what truly mattered was the unwavering support of ordinary citizens for the Army.She further said that people, as audiences, always have the option to tune out and not watch those actors if they feel hurt by their silence.'If someone is not with the country, and their lack of support offends you, then don't watch them. Because as an ordinary citizen, how can you express your anger (against their silence)? By turning off. It is wrong to say that if an actor did not stand with the Army, nobody stood with the Army. The whole country was standing with its Army," she said.advertisementSmriti Irani is making a comeback on screens after a 25-year hiatus and it is with the same show that made her a household name. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 is making a comeback and Irani will be returning as Tulsi Virani.- Ends