Veteran actress and politician Smriti Irani recently shared candid details about the immense challenges she faced as a female actor in the early 2000s, including having to prove a miscarriage to her producers and being fired from a show just after giving birth.
The Relentless Pace of Daily Soaps
Smriti Irani became a household name with her role as Tulsi Virani in the immensely popular show, *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi*. The demanding schedule of daily television meant relentless work, even for lead actors like her.
She revealed that she returned to the set a mere three days after her son’s birth. This was due to the immense pressure for daily new episodes, a common expectation from viewers and channels at the time.
A Heartbreaking Demand: Proving a Miscarriage
The intensity of her work extended to incredibly personal struggles. Irani shared a harrowing experience where she continued to work even after suffering a miscarriage.
While a week’s rest was suggested, *Kyunki* producer Ekta Kapoor couldn’t afford the break for a daily show. Shockingly, a production member reportedly told Ekta that Smriti was “lying” about her condition. This forced Irani to bring her hospital reports to the set to prove her miscarriage had actually occurred.
Fired on the Day of Delivery
Her struggles didn’t end there. During her pregnancy with her second child, Irani was simultaneously hosting a daily talk show called *Kuch Dil Se*. Despite her family and doctors advising rest, she continued to work tirelessly, even till her ninth month, to repay her house EMI.
She recorded enough episodes to build a 30-day “bank” for the talk show, expecting to return after a month. However, a cruel blow awaited her.
On the very day she gave birth and was still in the hospital, Irani received a notice: she was fired. The show’s makers had reportedly waited for her to be in the hospital before informing her, intending to use her pre-recorded content to facilitate her replacement.
A Fired Fighter’s Vindication
Despite the immense hurt, Smriti Irani recalled simply smiling at the news. She had faith that the unfair treatment would eventually backfire on the show’s makers.
Indeed, they hired a bigger film actor as her replacement, but the show ultimately shut down. It never aired again, proving Irani’s silent conviction correct.
Smriti Irani, who was not just the face but also spearheaded the research and scripting for *Kuch Dil Se*, showcased remarkable resilience through these challenging periods.
- Smriti Irani worked on *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi* just three days after giving birth.
- She had to present hospital reports to prove her miscarriage to her show’s makers.
- Irani was fired from her talk show, *Kuch Dil Se*, on the very day she delivered her child.
- The talk show, despite hiring a bigger star, eventually failed after her departure.
Her candid revelations highlight the often-unseen struggles faced by women in demanding industries and serve as a testament to her enduring strength. Smriti Irani is set to reprise her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in a reboot of *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi* later this month.
