Smriti Irani, a prominent figure in Indian politics and a former actress, has had a remarkable journey. From her television debut to her significant role in the Lok Sabha, her life story is full of interesting twists and turns.
Wiki/Biography
Smriti Irani, born as ‘Smriti Malhotra’ on March 23, 1976, in New Delhi, is a 48-year-old (as of 2024) Aries. She completed her schooling at Holy Child Auxilium School, New Delhi, and though she started a B.Com at Delhi University’s School of Open Learning, she didn’t finish the degree.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’ 7”
- Weight (approx.): 80 kg
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family
Parents & Siblings
Her father, Ajay Kumar Malhotra, had Punjabi and Maharashtrian heritage, while her mother, Shibani Bagchi (a former Jana Sangha member), was of Bengali-Assamese descent. She has two younger sisters.
Husband & Children
Smriti is married to Zubin Irani, a Parsi businessman. They have a son, Zohr Irani, and a daughter, Zoish Irani. She also has a stepdaughter, Shanelle Irani, from Zubin’s previous marriage to Mona Irani. Shanelle married Arjun Bhalla in February 2023.
Other Relatives
Her paternal grandfather was Punjabi, her paternal grandmother Marathi, her maternal grandfather Bengali, and her maternal grandmother Assamese, showcasing her diverse family background.
Religion
Smriti Irani practices Hinduism and is a devoted follower of Lord Ganesha.
Political Career
Joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2003, Smriti Irani’s political career has been marked by both wins and losses. She contested the 2004 Lok Sabha elections but lost. She rose through the BJP ranks, holding positions like President of the Maharashtra Youth Wing and National Secretary. Her 2014 Amethi contest against Rahul Gandhi resulted in a loss, yet she was appointed as the Human Resource Development Minister. Subsequent roles included Textiles Minister and Minister of Women and Child Development. She also held the additional charge of the Ministry of Minority Affairs in 2022. In 2024, she contested the Lok Sabha election from Amethi again, unfortunately losing this time.
Career-TV, Films & Theatre
In Television
Smriti Irani participated in the Miss India pageant in 1998, though she didn’t make the top 9. Her television acting career began around 2000 with shows like “Aatish” and “Hum Hain Kal Aaj Aur Kal.” She achieved widespread recognition as ‘Tulsi Virani’ in “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,” a role that spanned eight years. She also ventured into TV production with “Virrudh” and hosted the dance reality show “Yeh Hai Jalwa.”
In Films
Her film career includes appearances in Hindi (“Malik Ek”), Telugu (“Jai Bolo Telangana”), and Bengali (“Amrita”) cinema.
In Theatres
She performed in various theatre productions, starting with the Hindi play “Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein,” followed by Gujarati (“Maniben.com”) and Telugu (“Jai Bolo Telangana”) plays.
Controversies
Throughout her career, Smriti Irani faced several controversies. These included questions about her educational qualifications, criticism for her handling of certain events during her time as HRD Minister, and allegations surrounding her daughter’s business ventures.
Address
A-602, Neptune Apartments, Swami Samarth Nagar 4th cross lane, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053
Awards
Smriti Irani received numerous accolades, primarily for her role in “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,” including multiple Indian Television Academy Awards (ITA) and Indian Telly Awards for Best Actress.
Favourites
| Category | Preferences |
|---|---|
| Cuisine(s) | Gujarati, Bengali |
| Food | Pizza, Chocolate, Macher Jhol Bhaat, Tomato Chutney, Jhinge Posto, Aloo Bhajaa, Ilish Machh Shorshe Diye |
| Fruit | Strawberry |
| Color | Blue |
| Actors | Dharmendra, Saif Ali Khan, Shah Rukh Khan |
| Actresses | Rekha, Hema Malini |
| Cartoon Show | Tom & Jerry |
| Politicians | Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Narendra Modi |
Further favourites include specific Bollywood and Hollywood films, a favourite director, and sportsperson.
Assets/Properties
She possesses approximately Rs. 3.83 crores in movable and Rs. 7.28 crores in immovable assets (as of a previous year).
Salary/Net Worth
As an MP (as of a previous year), her salary was Rs. 1 lakh, with additional allowances. Her net worth is estimated to be approximately Rs. 11.11 crores (as of a previous year).
Facts
- Her grandfather was an RSS Swayamsevak.
- Early predictions about her future were less than optimistic.
- She initially aspired to be a civil servant or journalist.
- She worked at McDonald’s in Mumbai before her acting career took off.
- She reportedly never watched “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.”
- She is fluent in six languages: Hindi, English, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, and Bengali.
- She assisted villagers in Amethi during a fire incident.
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