Actor-politician Smriti Irani shared her journey of returning to television, revealing she personally reached out to Uday Shankar to ask for employment after her 2024 electoral loss.

  • Smriti Irani sought work in the media industry following her 2024 Lok Sabha defeat in Amethi.
  • She directly contacted Uday Shankar to express her readiness to work.
  • Her comeback features the iconic character Tulsi Virani in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2'.

In a candid revelation, actor-politician Smriti Irani has opened up about one of the most vulnerable yet decisive phases of her career. Following her 2024 Lok Sabha election defeat in Amethi, the former Union Minister did not wait for opportunities to find her; instead, she proactively sought them out to restart her professional journey in the entertainment industry.

Irani revealed that she took the initiative to call Uday Shankar, the Vice-Chairman of JioHotstar and Star, to express her interest in returning to television. "I picked up my phone and asked for a job in media and entertainment. I said I’m unemployed; can you give me something?" she recalled, highlighting her pragmatic approach to a career transition.

Read Also:Actor Yash Praises CM Vijay at 'Toxic' Event, Describes His Political Rise as 'Very Progressive'

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Irani's decision to bridge the gap between high-stakes politics and the demanding world of television production is a masterclass in resilience. Transitioning from a cabinet-level position to an employee on a film set requires immense psychological flexibility and a lack of ego, which Irani demonstrated by embracing the 'unemployed' label to secure her comeback.

The conversation with Shankar was not merely about finding work but about understanding the rigors of the industry. Shankar reportedly cautioned her about the grueling 12-hour shifts and the relentless schedule of daily soap productions. Irani, however, remained undeterred, viewing the challenge as a necessary step for her professional rebirth.

"There is no harm in it. I think everybody on the set was a little flabbergasted, wondering how I would work with the daily wages," Irani remarked regarding her return.

Her highly anticipated return to the television universe arrived with the premiere of 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2' on July 29, 2025. The show, airing on Star Plus and streaming on JioHotstar, sees her reprising her legendary role as Tulsi Virani, reuniting with Amar Upadhyay, who returns as Mihir Virani.

Historical Background

Smriti Irani became a household name in India during the early 2000s through the mega-hit serial 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'. Her transition from the silver screen to the political arena marked one of the most significant career shifts in Indian public life, making her current return to her roots a full-circle moment for millions of viewers.

Did You Know?: The original 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' remains one of the longest-running and most influential Indian soap operas in history.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did Smriti Irani decide to return to acting?
After her political defeat in 2024, she decided to restart her career in the entertainment industry where she first found fame.

2. Where can fans watch her new show?
The show 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2' is available on Star Plus and JioHotstar.