Smriti Irani Quick Info
| Husband | Age | Education | Position |
| Zubin Irani | 47 Years | 12th | Member of the Lok Sabha |
Pic Credit – ndtv.com
Biography – Wiki
| Full Name | Smriti Zubin Irani | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Member of the Lok Sabha | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profession(s) | Actress, Model, Politician | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Physical Stats – Height – Weight & More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height (approx.) | In Centimeters - 170 Cm In Meters - 1.70 M In Feet Inches - 5’ 7” |
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| Weight (approx.) | In Kilograms - 80 Kg In Pounds - 176 Lbs |
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| Hair Colour | Black | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Official Portrait of Smriti Irani | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Exploring the Personal Life of Smriti Irani | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of Birth | Smriti Irani was born on 23rd March 1976, which happened to be a Tuesday. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age | As of 2024, Smriti Irani is 47 years old. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Birthplace | Born in New Delhi, India, Smriti Irani's roots trace back to the capital city. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Zodiac sign | Smriti Irani's zodiac sign is Aries. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Signature | Insert Sign | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nationality | Smriti Irani holds Indian nationality. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hometown | New Delhi is her hometown, reflecting the place where her early years were spent. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | She attended Holy Child Auxilium School in New Delhi for her early education. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| College/University | Smriti Irani pursued her education at the School of Open Learning, University of Delhi. She completed the first year of her Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree but did not finish the three-year course. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Educational Qualification | Smriti Irani is a 12th pass and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) first-year degree from Delhi University's School of Open Learning. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Religion | Her religious affiliation is Hinduism. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Caste/Ethnicity | Smriti Irani's heritage includes being half-Punjabi and half-Maharashtrian from her father's side, and Bengali-Assamese from her mother's side. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Address | She resides at A-602, Neptune Apartments, Swami Samarth Nagar 4th Cross Lane, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hobbies | Smriti Irani engages in various hobbies such as doing yoga, listening to music, traveling, and playing carrom. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploring the Family Tree: An Insight into Family Details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Family | Father: Shri Ajay Kumar Malhotra smriti’s father is half-Punjabi, half-Maharashtrian. (Supporting Pic Required) Mother: Smt. Shibani Bagchi, Smriti Irani's mother, belongs to a Bengali Hindu family. (Supporting Pic Required) Brother: Name Not Known Sister(s): Two Younger Sisters (Names Not Known) |
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| Smriti’s Acting career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1998 | Smriti Irani participated in the Miss India 1998 beauty pageant but did not secure a position in the top 9, alongside Gauri Pradhan Tejwani. Additionally, in the same year, she featured in the song "Boliyan" from the album "Saawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag" with Mika Singh. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000 | In 2000, Smriti Irani marked her acting debut with the TV series "Aatish" and "Hum Hain Kal Aaj Aur Kal," both aired on Star Plus. She also appeared in the show "Kavita" on DD Metro. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-2000 | Bagging the lead role of Tulsi Virani in Ekta Kapoor's production "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" on Star Plus, Smriti Irani earned five consecutive ITA Awards for Best Actress Popular and four Indian Telly Awards. However, a fallout with producer Ekta Kapoor led to her departure in June 2007, with Gautami Kapoor replacing her. She made a comeback in May 2008 in a special episode, reconciling with Kapoor. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2002 | Smriti Irani portrayed the epic character Sita in Zee TV's "Ramayan" alongside Nitish Bharadwaj. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2006 | Co-producing the show "Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan" under her banner Ugraya Entertainment, Smriti Irani also played the lead role of Uma in the series. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007 | Irani ventured into production by producing the TV serial "Virrudh" for Sony TV, where she also portrayed the lead character of Vasudha. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2008 | She produced and hosted the dance-based reality show "Yeh Hai Jalwa" with Sakshi Tanwar on 9X. In the same year, Irani produced another show on Zee TV, "Waaris," which concluded in 2009. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2009 | Smriti Irani appeared in the comedy show "Maniben.com" on SAB TV and co-produced the show in collaboration with Contiloe Entertainment. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2012 | Irani worked in the Bengali movie "Amrita." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Works and appearances | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Awards and Honors Received by Smriti | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Political Career of Smriti Irani | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2003 | Smriti Irani joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004 | Irani was appointed as the vice-president of the Maharashtra Youth Wing. She contested in the 14th Lok Sabha elections from Chandni Chowk constituency in Delhi but was unsuccessful. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dec-04 | Blaming then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for BJP's electoral losses, Irani threatened to fast unto death until he resigned. She retracted this demand after the BJP's central leadership threatened action against her. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2005 | Irani became an executive member of the central committee of the BJP. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2009 | During the campaign for the parliamentary elections, she voiced concerns for women's safety and advocated capital punishment for rapists. Irani was appointed National Secretary of BJP and later, on 24 June, she became All India President of the BJP's women's wing, BJP Mahila Morcha. As National President, she played a key role in securing Permanent Commission for Women in the Indian Army. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aug-11 | Smriti Irani entered parliament, sworn in as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | Contested in the general elections against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi constituency, Uttar Pradesh, and lost. On 26 May 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed her as the Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) in his cabinet. Her lack of formal higher education was criticized by many. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jun-15 | Irani faced allegations of misrepresenting her educational qualifications, and a lower court held that the allegations were maintainable. She encouraged people to file a PIL about her educational qualifications. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Term as HRD Minister | Implemented various reforms in universities. Addressed the 2016 JNU sedition controversy and the Suicide of Rohith Vemula in a parliamentary speech. The claims made during the speech were contradicted by University of Hyderabad doctor Rajashree M. Irani announced the establishment of new yoga departments in six universities in June 2016. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jul-16 | In a cabinet reshuffle, Irani was transferred to the Ministry of Textiles from the Ministry of Human Resource Development. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jul-17 | Smriti Irani was given the additional charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India) when former Minister Venkaiah Naidu resigned from the ministry to participate in vice-presidential elections. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | Smriti Irani became a Member of Parliament for Amethi constituency after winning the Lok Sabha seat in the 2019 general elections against Rahul Gandhi. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Work Undertaken as Union Minister | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Union Minister for Human Resource Development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 2014–July 2016 | Smriti Irani, the youngest minister in Narendra Modi's cabinet, and the first woman to serve as the Union Minister for Human Resource Development, brought about significant advancements during her tenure. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | - Launched the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) post the retreat of IITs. GIAN aims to tap the talent pool of scientists and entrepreneurs globally to enhance India's academic resources in higher education. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | - Initiated the Udaan Yojana and Pragati Scheme to address low enrolment of girls in engineering colleges, providing a comprehensive platform and financial support to deserving female students. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | - Introduced the Know Your College Portal to assist prospective students in making informed decisions about college selection by providing necessary information. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | - Launched the IMPacting Research INnovation and Technology (IMPRINT) India Scheme to address major science and engineering challenges, garnering support for 229 research projects worth Rs 59,589 lakh within a year of its inception. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | - Introduced the National Institute Ranking Framework, an indigenous ranking system for higher educational institutions, allowing students to assess performance and quality. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | - Launched SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds), a Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) platform, aimed at providing online courses, study material, and course registration to bridge the digital divide for students. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | - Initiated the Veer Gatha series under the HRD ministry, sharing stories of India's bravest soldiers with school children to inspire them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Union Minister for Textiles | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 2016–July 2021 | Smriti Irani assumed the position of Union Minister for Textiles in July 2016 and served a full five-year term until July 2021, earning praise from industry bodies like TEXPROCIL, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India, and Indian Texpreneurs Federation. Significant initiatives during her tenure include: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018 | - Launched the Apparel Sector Special Package, a Rs. 6,000 crore initiative to strengthen the entire textile industry, providing financial support to small-scale players. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 2019 | - Declared technical textile items as a separate category, supporting the industry's growth over Rs 2 trillion and benefiting 900 million farmers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First term tenure | - Focused on the North Eastern Regions, establishing 21 readymade garment manufacturing units and promoting sericulture with a Rs. 690 crore allocation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018 | - Launched the Silk Samagra Workshop, an Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry, aiming at maintaining breeders stock, breed improvement, mechanized practices, and technology translation through SILKS Portal. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Second term tenure | - Introduced the Samarth Scheme, allocating over Rs. 1,300 crore to upskill over 4 lakh workers in 16 states. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 2017–May 2018 | Smriti Irani led the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting during which notable achievements include: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nov-17 | - Hosted the 48th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), presenting cinematic works in audio-described format for the visually impaired under the Accessible India Campaign. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FY 2017 | - Oversaw a rise in revenue for State-run broadcaster Doordarshan to Rs 827.51 crore, surpassing the target of Rs 800 crore. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Union Minister for Women and Child Development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (May 2019–present) | In the second term of the Modi Government, Smriti Irani took on the role of Union Minister for Women and Child Development. Significant contributions during her tenure include: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Early tenure | - Established the Committee on Gender Budgeting and engaged with stakeholders for recommendations on Gender Budgeting for Budget 2019–2020. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | - Introduced an amendment to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2019, making punishments more stringent, including the possibility of the death penalty for offenders involved in sexual crimes against minors. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Poshan Abhiyaan | - Launched the Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh, creating a repository of diverse crops across 127 agro-climatic zones of India, in collaboration with Bill Gates. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Union Minister for Minority Affairs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 2022 - present | In July 2022, Smriti Irani took on the role of Union Minister for Minority Affairs, introducing the 'Naya Savera' scheme in August 2023. In January 2024, she made a historic visit to the holy site of Medina, signing the Hajj agreement 2024 and increasing the quota for the Hajj trip for Muslims in India. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MP from Amethi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | Smriti Irani's tenure as the Member of Parliament from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, marked several significant milestones: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | Won a historic victory in the 2019 general elections against Rahul Gandhi, President of the Indian National Congress, by a margin of 55,120 votes. The BJP's comprehensive effort over the past five years played a crucial role in this win. Irani emphasized her commitment to better representation for the constituency and highlighted the development schemes launched by the Modi government. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Made multiple visits to Amethi, launching central development schemes and addressing the assumption of family loyalty holding the seat for the political dynasty. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Stressed the record number of toilets and houses built by the Centre for the poor in Amethi since the Modi government came to power. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - This victory was significant as the seat had been held by Rahul Gandhi since 2004. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Post her victory | - Allotted a first-row seat in the Lok Sabha, signaling her ascent in the BJP hierarchy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Showed solidarity by lending a shoulder to the mortal remains of a close aide who was shot dead in Amethi. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Launched the "Didi Apke Dwar" program, a block-wise Janta Darbar for listening to and solving public grievances. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Fulfilled her election promise of establishing Kendriya Vidyalaya for Amethi within the first 3 months of winning the seat. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Awards and international conferences | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In 2015, Smriti Irani was honored as a Young Global Leader from India by the World Economic Forum (WEF), joining the ranks of distinguished leaders such as British Prime Minister David Cameron, Alibaba Group chief Jack Ma, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, Google chief Larry Page, and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi who have received this esteemed award in the past. Additionally, Irani achieved unanimous election as a Member representing the Asia Pacific Region to the Task Force responsible for establishing the inaugural Committee for Young Parliamentarians during the 126th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Further contributing to her global engagement, Irani served as the USAID Goodwill Ambassador to India for the WHO-ORS program for a duration of 3 years. Notably, in 2019, she earned a place in Femina's Power List under the theme "Women Who Changed The Game," recognizing her significant victory in Amethi over Congress President Rahul Gandhi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electoral history of Smriti Irani | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004 – Lost election against Kapil Sibal of Congress from Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 2014 – Lost against Rahul Gandhi from Amethi (Lok Sabha constituency) 2019 – present – Won against Rahul Gandhi from Amethi (Lok Sabha constituency) |
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| Smriti Irani: An Author | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In 2021, Smriti Irani made her debut as an author with the novel "Lal Salaam," published by Westland publishers. The book draws inspiration from the April 2010 Maoist attack in Dantewada, exploring the role of central police forces in dealing with insurgencies. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal Life | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marital Status | Married | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Husband/Spouse | Zubin Irani - Smriti Irani married Zubin Irani, a Parsi businessman in 2001. The couple has a son, Zohr, and a daughter, Zoish. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Children | Son - Zohr Irani Daughter - Zoish Irani |
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| Favorites and Hobbies | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cuisines | Smriti's favorite cuisines include Gujarati and Bengali. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food | She enjoys dishes like Macher Jhol Bhaat, Tomato Chutney, Jhinge Posto, Aloo Bhajaa, Ilish Machh Shorshe Diye, as well as more international options such as Pizza and Chocolates. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fruit | Strawberry is her preferred fruit. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Colour | Blue is Smriti's favorite color. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Actor(s) | Her favorite actors are Dharmendra, Saif Ali Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Actresses | Smriti admires actresses like Rekha and Hema Malini. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Politician(s) | She has a preference for politicians such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sportsperson | Mahendra Singh Dhoni is her favorite sportsperson. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Films (Bollywood) | Bollywood films that top her list include 'Satte Pe Satta' (1982), 'Mr. India' (1987), 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' (1988), 'Chandni' (1989), 'Agneepath' (1990), 'Khuda Gawah' (1992), and 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (1995). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Films (Hollywood) | In Hollywood, she enjoys the Avenger Series, 'The Shawshank Redemption' (1994), 'The Usual Suspects' (1995), and 'The Godfather' trilogy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cartoon Show | Smriti's favorite cartoon show is 'Tom and Jerry.' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Film Director | Shekhar Kapur is the film director she appreciates. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Book(s) | Among her favorite books are 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell and 'Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah' by Richard Bach. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Style Quotient, Assets & Properties | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Smriti Irani's Car Selection | Not Known | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets / Properties | Movable: Rs. 3.83 Crore Immovable: Rs. 7.28 Crore |
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| Salary, Net Worth & Monthly Income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salary (as a Member of Parliament) | Rs. 1 Lakh + Other Allowances | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net worth | 7 Crores INR, around $1 Million | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unveiling the lesser-known facets of Smriti Irani’s life
Smriti Irani’s Early Life
- Family Background:
- Smriti Irani, born as Smriti Malhotra, is the daughter of Ajay Kumar Malhotra, a half-Punjabi, half-Maharashtrian Hindu father, and Shibani née Bagchi, a Bengali Hindu mother.
- She is the eldest among three sisters, and her mother was a member of Jana Sangh, while her grandfather was associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
- Education:
- Smriti attended the Holy Child Auxilium School in New Delhi, which is run by Catholic nuns.
- Later, she enrolled in the School of Open Learning at the University of Delhi.
- In 2019, Smriti revealed that she had taken her first-year B.Com. exams from that institution but did not complete the three-year degree course.
- Marriage and Family:
- In 2001, Smriti married Zubin Irani, a Parsi businessman.
- In October of the same year, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Zohr.
- In September 2003, they had their second child, a daughter named Zoish.
- Smriti is also a stepmother to Shanelle, Zubin Irani’s daughter from his previous marriage to Mona Irani, a coordinator and former beauty contestant.
- Religious Beliefs:
- In 2018, when questioned about her faith, Smriti stated that she is a practicing Hindu married to a practicing Zoroastrian.
- She mentioned that wearing sindoor is her belief as a Hindu.
Unknown facts about Smriti Irani
- Smriti Irani began her career as a popular Indian TV actress before transitioning into politics.
- Her mother was associated with Jana Sangh, and her grandfather was an RSS Swayamsevak.
- In her school days in Delhi, an astrologer predicted a less promising future for Smriti compared to her sisters.
- Initially, her parents had no grand aspirations for her and simply wished for her to marry well.
- Despite her aspirations to become a civil servant or journalist, her father disapproved, thinking neither profession suited her.
- She moved to Mumbai and participated in the 1998 Femina Miss India contest, where she didn’t reach the top 9.
- Smriti Irani worked as a waitress at McDonald’s in Bandra, Mumbai, during the early days of her career.
- She appeared in a song of the album “Saawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag” with Mika Singh in 1998.
- TV producer Shobha Kapoor (Ekta Kapoor’s mother) first noticed Smriti when she was working on the show “Bakeman’s Ooh La La.”
- In the mid-2000s, she gained immense popularity as Tulsi Virani in Ekta Kapoor’s production “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” on Star Plus, a role she played for eight years.
- Before her TV career, Smriti had done numerous modeling assignments.
- She holds the record for the maximum number (consecutively five times) of Indian Television Academy Awards for Best Actress (popular).
- In 2003, during the peak of her TV career, Smriti joined the BJP.
- She unsuccessfully contested against Rahul Gandhi from the Amethi Constituency in Uttar Pradesh during the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed her as HRD Minister in his cabinet in 2014, making her the youngest Cabinet Minister at that time.
- During the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, she defeated Rahul Gandhi and played a firefighter role in extinguishing a fire in a village in Amethi.
- Smriti Irani is proficient in six languages: Hindi, English, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, and Bengali.
Smriti Irani’s Controversies
- Undergraduate degree controversy: Smriti Irani faced accusations of providing contradictory affidavits regarding her educational qualifications in various elections. The discrepancy between her stated qualifications in different affidavits raised concerns, with variations ranging from a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) to Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), Part 1, from Delhi University.
- Yale University degree row: While serving as the Minister for Human Resource and Development, Irani claimed to possess a degree from Yale University during the 2014 India Today Women Summit. However, it was later revealed that the mentioned degree was a certificate for attending a 6-day training program at the university.
- Trivialising Child Abuse: In December 2021, Irani, holding the position of Union Women and Child Development Minister, faced criticism for posting an image on Instagram that appeared to trivialize child abuse. The post was perceived as inappropriate and garnered backlash for downplaying the seriousness of the issue.
- Silly Souls Cafe Controversy: In July 2022, allegations surfaced regarding the renewal of the liquor license for Silly Souls Cafe and Bar, with an RTI response suggesting illegal renewal and connections to Smriti Irani’s family. Contradictions between Irani’s daughter acknowledging ownership in an interview and Irani’s denial in a Delhi High Court affidavit added fuel to the controversy.
- Misbehaving with a reporter: A video went viral on June 9, 2023, showing Smriti Irani displaying anger towards a reporter who requested a statement during her visit to her constituency. The incident drew condemnation from journalist bodies, including the Mumbai Press Club, the Editors Guild of India, and DIGIPUB Foundation.
- Smriti Irani’s Visit to Madinah Sparks Criticism and Cultural Clash: Union Minister Smriti Irani’s recent visit to Madinah, a sacred Islamic pilgrimage site, has sparked controversy and led to derogatory comments from some Pakistanis. The criticism focused on Irani and the non-Muslim delegation accompanying her, including Kashmiri Hindu IRS Officer Nirupama Kotru. Irani’s choice of attire, specifically not wearing a headgear while visiting the holy city in a saree, became a point of contention. The visit aimed to strengthen cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and India, involving a review of Haj preparations, meetings with Saudi leaders, and participation in the Umrah Conference. However, Pakistani news portal ‘The News’ questioned Irani’s outfit choice, emphasizing the delegation’s Hindu identity. Saudi Muslims rebuked these criticisms, asserting their right to uphold their rules and dismissing the opinions of those who disagreed, particularly from individuals of South Asian descent. The controversy highlighted differing perspectives on cultural and religious practices during diplomatic visits.
Triumph of Tenacity: The Smriti Irani Saga
In the pages of Smriti Irani’s biography, one finds a compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and unwavering grit. From her early struggles to the pinnacles of success, Irani’s journey stands as a testament to the power of tenacity. This remarkable woman has seamlessly transitioned from the glitz of the entertainment industry to the intricate corridors of Indian politics, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes along the way. Through the highs and lows, Smriti Irani emerges not just as a politician but as a symbol of empowerment for countless individuals. Her tale is an inspiring reminder that success is not defined by one’s starting point but by the journey undertaken, the challenges confronted, and the spirit that refuses to yield.
Smriti Irani – Presence and Activity on Social Media.
Smriti Zubin Irani Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Smriti Irani?
Smriti Irani is an Indian politician and former television actress.
Which political party does Smriti Irani belong to?
She is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
What is Smriti Irani's current political position?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, she has served as the Minister of Women and Child Development in the Indian government.
Has Smriti Irani held any other ministerial positions?
Yes, she has previously served as the Minister of Human Resource Development.
What was Smriti Irani's role in the television industry?
She gained fame for her role as Tulsi Virani in the TV serial "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi."
Where was Smriti Irani born?
She was born in Delhi, India.
What is Smriti Irani's educational background?
She attended the Holy Child Auxilium School in New Delhi and later enrolled in the School of Open Learning at the University of Delhi.
Did Smriti Irani complete her college education?
No, she did not complete her three-year degree course at the University of Delhi.
Who is Smriti Irani married to?
She is married to Zubin Irani, a Parsi businessman.
How many children does Smriti Irani have?
She has two children, a son named Zohr and a daughter named Zoish.
In which year did Smriti Irani join politics?
She joined politics in 2003.
Has Smriti Irani contested in any elections?
Yes, she contested in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Did she win in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections?
Yes, she won from the Amethi constituency in Uttar Pradesh.
What record does Smriti Irani hold in the Indian Television Academy Awards?
She holds the record for the maximum number (consecutively five times) of Indian Television Academy Awards for Best Actress (popular).
When did Smriti Irani become the HRD Minister in the Indian government?
She was appointed as the HRD Minister on May 26, 2014.
Is Smriti Irani proficient in multiple languages?
Yes, she is proficient in Hindi, English, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, and Bengali.
Has Smriti Irani faced any controversies during her political career?
Yes, she has faced several controversies, including political and public scrutiny.
What is Smriti Irani's stance on her religious beliefs?
In 2018, she stated that she is a practicing Hindu married to a practicing Zoroastrian.
Where did Smriti Irani face criticism related to her religious identity?
She faced criticism from some Pakistanis for her visit to Madinah, being referred to as "Kafir Khatoon."
What role did Smriti Irani play during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections?
She defeated Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.
Did Smriti Irani leave the show "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" in 2007?
Yes, she reportedly left the show in 2007 but made a comeback in a special episode in 2008.
What languages is Smriti Irani proficient in?
She is proficient in Hindi, English, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, and Bengali.
How did Smriti Irani start her career in the entertainment industry?
She was first spotted by TV producer Shobha Kapoor while working on the show "Bakeman’s Ooh La La."
What did Smriti Irani do in the early days of her career in Mumbai?
She worked at McDonald's in Bandra, Mumbai, as a waitress.
What was the controversy surrounding Smriti Irani's visit to Madinah?
Some Pakistani critics questioned her choice of outfit and referred to the delegation as a Hindu delegation, leading to a cultural clash and negative reactions.