Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Smriti Irani will be returning to acting in the daily soap that ruled Indian television in the early 2000s, which is now in its second season. The actress talked about how she intends to balance her political career with her return to the screen in preparation for the new season, which will air on Star Plus and JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium) at 10:30 p.m. on July 29.

"Part-time actor and full-time politician"

In a recent interview with NDTV, it was highlighted that Irani is best recognized as a politician. "Because Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is a side project," she stated. The initiative is never just one person; rather, it's always a team of people working together, in the eyes of the majority of consumers. The coming together of a group of writers. I am, very modestly, the most recognizable face among that crowd, but I work part-time as an actor and full-time as a politician.

She compared herself to other political scholars. Irani reiterated, "Just like many politicians who are part-time teachers, part-time lawyers, and part-time journalists." It's hard to understand that I'm doing it at the same time. I'm the only one in the limelight.

In response to criticism about the show's legacy

The actor-turned-politician also addressed a long-standing criticism that the first show promoted reactionary ideas. Since the criticism was ignorant and lacked substance, she stated she "couldn't care less" about the discussion. Additionally, Irani said, "The show discussed marital rape 25 years ago. The show focused on adult literacy 25 years ago." 25 years ago, the program addressed the topic of euthanasia. We did it commercially in a TV spot designed for family viewing, covering problems that were not even addressed by mainstream cinema.

The actor continued by stating that the program was instrumental in setting new standards for television. "One has to realize that there was no such thing as pay equity for 25 years," she said. We implemented pay equality, where a person's compensation was determined by their skills rather than their gender. The 10:30 slot, which was a dead slot, was given to Ektaa Kapoor, and we invented prime time.

A two-decade career in crossover

"It is a blessed run for a 49-year-old to have a 25-year career not only in media but also in politics... That is a blessed run, because in our country's history, never has somebody managed to, with God's blessings, be successful in both these very competitive fields." In addition, it is no small accomplishment for a woman to maintain a position at the pinnacle of the media and politics for twenty-five years. However, as she considered her journey in two professions, she came to the conclusion that fate and fortune have also played a role.

Irani's comeback as Tulsi in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is creating a stir in India's television industry. It's a moment when tradition, modernity, and nostalgia all come together.
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