Full Name: Smriti Zubin Irani (née Malhotra)
Date of Birth:23 March 1976
Place of Birth:Delhi, India
Profession: Politician, Former Actress
Political Party:Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Years Active: 1998 – present
Early Life and Family
Smriti Irani was born on March 23, 1976, in New Delhi, India. Her father, Ajay Kumar Malhotra, is a Punjabi, and her mother, Shibani Bagchi, is a Bengali. Smriti is the eldest of three sisters. She attended Holy Child Auxilium School in New Delhi and later enrolled in the University of Delhi but did not complete her degree.
In 2001, Smriti married Zubin Irani, a Parsi businessman. The couple has two children, Zoish and Zohr. Smriti is also a stepmother to Shanelle, Zubin's daughter from his previous marriage.
Physical Attributes
Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
Weight:
Approximately 70 kg (154 lbs)
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color:
Dark Brown
Career Beginnings: Modeling and Acting
Smriti Irani's career began in the entertainment industry. In 1998, she participated in the Miss India beauty pageant, where she reached the finals. Although she didn't win, this exposure led to opportunities in modeling and acting.
Smriti gained widespread fame with her role as Tulsi Virani in the iconic television series "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" (2000-2008). The show was one of the longest-running Indian television series and made Smriti a household name. Her performance earned her several awards, including the Indian Television Academy Award for Best Actress (Popular) five times.
Transition to Politics
In 2003, Smriti Irani joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her political career began to gain momentum when she was appointed as the Vice President of the Maharashtra Youth Wing in 2004. She contested her first election in 2004 from the Chandni Chowk constituency in Delhi but lost.
Smriti's dedication to her political career paid off when she was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India's Parliament, from Gujarat in 2011. In 2014, she contested the Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, against Rahul Gandhi but lost narrowly . However, in the 2019 general elections, she made a remarkable comeback, defeating Rahul Gandhi and winning the Amethi seat, which was considered a significant political achievement.
Ministerial Roles
Smriti Irani has held various important ministerial positions in the Indian government:
Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) (2014-2016): During her tenure, she focused on educational reforms and launched initiatives like the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) to rank educational institutions in India.
Minister of Textiles (2016-present): Smriti has been instrumental in promoting the textile industry, focusing on the development of handloom and handicrafts sectors. She has launched several schemes to support weavers and artisans.
Minister of Women and Child Development (2019-present): In this role, she has worked on numerous initiatives to empower women and protect children. She launched the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign to address gender bias and promote education for girls.
Personal Life and Controversies Work
Smriti Irani's personal life has often been in the public eye due to her celebrity status and political career. She is known for her strong opinions and has been involved in several controversies. Her educational qualifications have been a subject of debate, with discrepancies in her election affidavits raising questions. Despite these controversies, Smriti has maintained a resilient public image, known for her articulate speeches and dedication to her political duties. She is active on social media, where she shares insights into her professional and personal life.
Net Worth As of 2024, Smriti Irani's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. Her income sources include her salary as a Member of Parliament, her ministerial roles, and earnings from her earlier acting career. She owns properties in Delhi and Mumbai and has made investments in various sectors.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Smriti Irani has received numerous accolades:
Indian Television Academy Awards: Multiple awards for her role in "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi".
Indian Telly Awards: Best Actress awards
Recognition in Politics: Noted for her significant contributions to the ministries she has led.
Philanthropy and Social Work
Smriti Irani is actively involved in various philanthropic activities. She has supported causes related to women's empowerment, child development, and education. She has been a vocal advocate for improving the conditions of weavers and artisans in India, launching initiatives to provide them with better opportunities and support.
Conclusion
Smriti Irani's journey from a television actress to a prominent political figure in India is truly remarkable. Her determination, resilience, and dedication to public service have earned her a significant place in Indian politics. Despite facing challenges and controversies, she continues to be an influential leader, committed to making a positive impact on society.
