Smriti Irani Returns to TV, Quashes Political Retirement Buzz

The BJP leader sets the record straight on her political career while gearing up to reprise her iconic role as Tulsi Virani.

New Delhi, July 24, 2025

BJP leader and former Union Minister Smriti Irani has firmly denied rumors of stepping away from politics, even as she prepares to return to the small screen in a revival of the iconic soap opera Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Speaking to India Today TV, Irani dismissed the speculation with confidence, saying, “Who retires at 49? Some people don’t even begin their political careers at this age. I’ve been an MP three times and led five ministries there’s much more to achieve.”

Irani, who stunned the political world by defeating Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019 but lost the seat to Congress’s KL Sharma in 2024, was asked about a potential return in 2029. Her response? It’s up to the party. “The BJP will decide maybe in 2025 or 2026,” she said. Notably, Irani claimed she would have “absolutely defeated” Rahul Gandhi again if he had contested against her in Amethi.

Now stepping back into her legendary role of Tulsi Virani, Irani brushed off skepticism about her dual career with a bold statement: “Meri marzi (It’s my choice)… I don’t believe in living a small life.” Her return to television, expected later this year, has drawn both curiosity and criticism, but Irani remains unfazed.

While Irani may no longer view her attack on Rahul Gandhi as “her duty,” her ongoing political engagement with the BJP shows she is nowhere near finished with public life. Irani is also increasingly unique as someone in Indian public life who is both in politics and entertainment.

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