Smriti Irani turns to comedy, not shunning Tulsi image

Her stint on the daily soap ''Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thhi' popularised her as bahu-next-door Tulsi Virani. As actress-turned-politician Smriti Irani turns to comedy with the new series 'Maniben.com', she says she is not trying to change her image with it.

'A character is imaginary and fictional but Tulsi has become so real that it is a big achievement. This (Tulsi) is one image that has helped me achieve an identity and love of people and I am not trying to run away from this image at all,' Smriti told IANS.

'I am not upset with the (Tulsi) image that I'd want to change it. I am obliged and was lucky enough to get it,' she added.

After logging more than 1,800 episodes in over eight years, Star Plus' epochal TV serial 'Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thhi' ended in November last year.

Smriti, who is also into production, writing and social work, said she doesn't suffer any identity crisis because of the screen image.

'The change has come gradually. I realised the difference while doing other shows like 'Kuch Dil Se' (as a host) and during my political career. While people referred to me as Tulsi initially, they also started calling me by my name. I've, in fact, had the best of both (identities as Tulsi and herself).'

Smriti achieved overnight stardom after her breakthrough in 'Kyunkii...' and then went on to do shows like 'Ramayan', 'Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan' and 'Virrudh'. She is also the vice president of the Bharatiya Janta Party's (BJP) youth wing in Maharashtra and is a member of the party national executive.

She was in the capital to launch her upcoming comedy show 'Maniben.com', going on air June 8 on Sab TV.