Union minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs Smriti Irani became a household name for her role as Tulsi Virani in Ekta Kapoor’s hit daily soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Before emerging as one of the most successful TV stars, the former actress used to make Rs 1800. In a recent interview, Smriti recalled not being able to afford a car.
Smriti Irani didn’t have money for car
In an interview with Neelesh Misra, Smriti revealed her salary in the initial days and said, “First year of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, I was getting Rs 1800 bucks and I had no car. When I got married, me and Zubin had Rs 30,000.”
She recalled her make-up man feeling embarrassed as she would come in an auto rickshaw while he had his private vehicle. Smriti shared, “Mujhe yaad hain, mera make-up man kehta tha, gaadi toh lelo mujhe sharam aata hai mai gaadi pe aata hu (I remember, my make-up man told me to purchase a vehicle because he was embarrassed).”
Smriti Irani: TV’s Tulsi Virani
Even after all these years, Smriti Irani is remembered for her portrayal in the 2000 drama series Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The much-loved show which aired for over seven years also starred Ronit Roy, Amar Upadhyay, Sudha Shivpuri, Hiten Tejwani and Mouni Roy among others.
Last month, the cast of the show had a mini-reunion at the wedding reception bash of Smriti’s daughter Shanelle Irani.