Smriti Irani's return to television as Tulsi Virani became one of the most discussed and beloved comebacks on small screens. After a long period of political activity, Smriti reappeared in the TV world thanks to the series 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'. However, her appearance before the cameras was not sudden; Smriti revealed details of her period before the return and recounted how she herself called to find work.
Recently, in an interview, Smriti Irani recalled the period after losing the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. She stated that instead of hiding her situation, she openly displayed it to people. She needed a job and felt no shame in saying that she was looking for a position. This decision ultimately allowed her to return to the same television network where she once created one of Indian television's most popular characters—Tulsi Virani.
Smriti shared that she contacted Uday Shankar to discuss job opportunities. At the time, Uday Shankar held positions as Vice President of JioHotstar and Star and remained connected to television during the period when 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' was not airing. Instead of waiting for an offer, Smriti took the initiative and directly asked him if there was any work for her.
Smriti stated: 'I picked up the phone and asked for a job in the media and entertainment sector. I said: I am unemployed, can you give me some work?' She noted that this person was the one who had previously taken away her job in the entertainment industry, and he later became the reason for her return to this field.
The return to acting after a long absence was not an easy step. For Smriti, who was once one of the brightest figures on small screens, being back in front of the camera felt like the beginning of something new. Nevertheless, she believes that returning to her former profession was not as difficult as she thought; on the contrary, this return gave her a sense of freedom.
Smriti recounted that she directly told Uday Shankar that she needed a job. She reported: 'I told him: 'Sir, I don't have a job. Can you help me?''. At the time, Uday was abroad. Hearing her words, he asked her: 'Are you sure? You were a cabinet minister and now you are asking for a job?' She replied to him: 'I don't think there is anything wrong with returning to my profession.'