Smriti Irani, a former Union Minister and prominent figure in Indian politics, recently spoke with NDTV about her extensive political career and her return to television. Known for her iconic role as ‘Tulsi Virani’ in the popular soap opera “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,” Irani is set to reprise this beloved character as the show is rebooted 25 years after its original airing. Irani’s political journey began in 2003 when she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her first electoral contest was in the 2004 Lok Sabha election, where she faced a significant defeat against Congress leader Kapil Sibal in New Delhi. Despite this setback, she persevered and contested again in 2014 against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. Although she lost that election, Irani made a remarkable comeback in 2019 by defeating Gandhi in his traditional stronghold. Throughout her political career, Irani has held various ministerial positions, including Human Resources, Textiles, Information and Broadcasting, Women and Child Development, and Minority Affairs. She emphasized the importance of hard work and gaining respect from colleagues as key elements of her success. Reflecting on advice from the late Jaswant Singh, a respected Indian politician, she recalled being warned about the challenges of politics in Delhi and the importance of maintaining a good public image. Irani also addressed recent controversies, such as the language row in Maharashtra involving Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. She stressed the significance of national unity and identity over regional differences, asserting that being an Indian is paramount. Despite her demanding political career, Irani has managed to balance her passion for acting. Her return to television is a testament to her ability to excel in both media and politics. She expressed gratitude for her 25-year journey across these competitive fields, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women in leadership roles.