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Inspired actor Smriti Irani

Elaborating her point, Smriti says, “I accepted Janaki mausi’s role in Teen Bahuraniyan because, despite being a career woman she professes how personal and professional life could be balanced, something which is not seen on television these days.”

No longer a one-channel girl, she has successfully ventured into production with serials such as Virrudh and Mere Apne, and has now eyes set on Bollywood.

She rewinds: “One day I was told Tulsi had to die. Though my fans and the media wanted otherwise, I didn’t choose to question the producer’s decision.”

Was her ambition to venture into production a reason?

“My first production was with Balaji and it did quite well. I think the problem started when I decided to be on my own.”

Smriti refuses to go into the details instead she prefers to share what she tells her actors.

“If the producer has committed to cast you in all his works, then you should resolve to work only with him/her.”

She agrees that female actors find it difficult to get prime roles in other serials after playing central character in one.

“I am an exception because I started producing serials.”

Taking pot shots at the TRP ratings, Smriti says that while cinema is controlled by the creator, television is in the hands of the advertisers.

“Most of the members of TAM, which gives out weekly ratings, are from the advertising fraternity. We have the right to information on government functioning but we don’t know where TAM has put its boxes. A five thousand crore industry is running R am bharose (only god knows). We have a Censor Board for cinema, but no regulatory body for television content, which reaches our living rooms.”

Post Kyunki…Smriti chiselled her passion for writing. She has written two Gujarati plays and pens her serials as well, where she claims to have resurrected male characters on the small screen. Vinod Khanna’s role in Mere Apne is one example.

She, however, resists from commenting on the portrayal of women.

“I don’t mix idealism with creativity. A story requires a villain to construct a hero. “The days of spoon feeding the audience are over. I believe television writers should take cue from cinema where subjects such as Cheeni Kum and Taare Zameen Par have done well.”

An ambassador of UNAIDS, Smriti feels an actor’s act can’t inspire people.

“It’s his life which can be a message. I have all along resisted being part of any commercial campaign though I have got tempting offers such as promoting pills which can make a housewife feel active like Tulsi! I insist on visiting villages rather than ribbon cutting in cities. What gives me satisfaction are instances such as when I went to Jhabua, a kid identified me as Smriti and not Tulsi.”

Does it help Smriti, the politician? “I am not one of those stars who shines in the election season. I have joined a party at the organisational level, and am committed to my role,” she signs off.

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