Union Minister Smriti Irani, who recently made headlines for her nostalgic return to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, has now spoken out about the downside of being a well-known figure. Irani stated on Soha Ali Khan`s latest podcast that her celebrity status did not make her political career any easier. Instead, she disclosed that recognition frequently worked against her, with many viewing her political involvement as a matter of convenience rather than devotion.
On being a well-known figure is a disadvantage
When Soha inquired whether her widespread recognition benefited her or not, Irani responded directly. “A disadvantage. Because everybody presumed actors treated politics as something they did at the very end of their careers, not something they pursued seriously from the ground up. Most actors are parachuted into politics because of their popularity and then just become Rajya Sabha members,” she said.
The Union Minister noted that, unlike many in the entertainment sector who entered politics later in life, she began her political career at the grassroots.
Irani recounted her foray into active politics almost two decades ago. “I wasn`t one of them. When I first became interested in politics in 2003, I joined the BJP`s youth branch in Maharashtra. My batchmate is now the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, while my other colleague, Dharmendra Pradhan, is the Minister of Education. But, even then, I wanted to be in the trenches, working alongside my colleagues and earning their respect, knowing that I was in it for the long haul.”
Smriti shared how hierarchy works in politics
He went on to describe her progression through the party hierarchy. “I worked my way up from grassroots to State Secretary in Maharashtra when Nitin Gadkari became President. I have worked with five BJP presidents: Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Amit Shah, J.P. Nadda, and, at the time, Venkaiah Naidu. I ran for my first election in 2004, when I was 27 years old. So I can confidently state, `Been there, done that.`”
The conversation was part of the third edition of Soha Ali Khan`s podcast, which premiered on YouTube on August 22. The series showcases women and personalities from a variety of areas, with discussions centered on their lives and experiences.
The show has already included Sunny Leone, Patralekhaa, and medical specialists.
