From selling beauty products on streets to why she refuses tobacco ads; Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’s Smriti Irani makes candid revelations from life

Actress-turned-politician Smriti Irani opened up like never before in a candid chat with Mashable India, reflecting on her early struggles, self-belief, and principles that guide her choices today. From her teenage hustles selling beauty products on the streets to her decision to reject tobacco endorsements, the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi star revealed inspiring and raw truths about her life and journey.

Currently juggling multiple commitments, Smriti shared, “Apart from shooting for Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, I have a busy schedule traveling all around — from Delhi, Kolkata, New York, Bengaluru to Mysore.” Despite her demanding calendar, she continues to balance her roles as an actor, politician, and public figure seamlessly. Her dedication and discipline highlight how she has mastered the art of handling a multifaceted life without slowing down.

Addressing the rumours about her security cover, Smriti clarified, “I found it very strange. When different news were planted about me — ‘There will be Z security, Smriti Irani will shoot under tight security.’ I had a hearty laugh. So this is not true.” Her straightforward response showed her calm composure amid public scrutiny and how she chooses humour over controversy when tackling misinformation.

Revealing a personal moment, Smriti shared, “When I got my first award, I was not even on stage. My baby was a few months old, and my whole day was spent between shooting and home. So, to get my first award, I didn’t go.” The anecdote reflects her devotion to both career and family, emphasizing how she embraced motherhood without letting fame dictate her priorities.

I knew I was not born to be a nobody. That I had figured, very early in life. And it was very irritating for my mother. Because she's like, look around you, none of your circumstances, any indication, that your life is going to be very rosy, or you're going to be very successful. And she always used to think, why are you insisting? And I was like, no but, the most irritating part about me, and especially my family points this out, when I say, I know, this will happen. I say yes, this will happen.

Explaining her moral stand, Smriti said, “I don't know, why I don't do a tobacco ad, a flavored water ad, knowing it's an alcohol brand. Many people, don't understand, that there are people, on planet earth, who will let go, of economic opportunities, that will be, very beneficial, or opportunities to enhance themselves politically or from a peer point of view only on the basis of a principle they stand for. I am of the opinion, I am very clear, what is it that I communicate that you don't have to be size zero to be appreciated as a human being or for you to appreciate a craft. You don't have to have that whole, this what you see me now is all made up. I can't have women especially, young girls thinking this is an image to aspire to.”

Recalling her humble beginnings, Smriti revealed, “Manoj Prabhakar was a cricketer, he had some beauty products, I don't know how, I didn't even think at that time, why a cricketer is selling women's beauty products. 200 bucks I would get for selling on the street. It's almost like a sales commission then. It's like from 9 in the morning to about 6-7 in the evening. Not bad for a 16 year old. But the issue was that you could only hold on to the next day's job if you sold something one day. If you had not, they would get somebody else.”

“I joined my father's logistics business. I would run between several places and airport to see how load works. So, at the age of 17-18, I was one of the first 3-4 women in the country to do logistical work. In Delhi, I was like, you know, everything I do, they say I'm doing it because my dad is enabling it. So, I wanted to go to some place where my parents would not know anybody,” she said.