Smriti Irani on being successful in the ‘two toughest fields in the country: media and politics,’ says ‘I think that I am blessed’

Union Minister and former television starSmriti Iranirecently opened up about her remarkable journey through two of the most challenging professions in India—media and politics. Smriti shared a video of hers on social media where she spoke at an event.Smriti shared how her success across both these demanding fields is not just a result of effort or talent alone but a combination of perseverance, principles, and, in her words, “divine intervention.”
“I think I am blessed, particularly because people rarely get to have one successful career in a lifetime. I’ve had the opportunity to work in two of the toughest fields in this country—media and politics,” she said. Irani, who rose to fame as Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, and later went on to hold key political portfolios, believes success in such spaces demands more than just skill.

“In both these fields, you have to be an inherent hard worker. You need to have potential, otherwise you will never find your feet. The fact that I could compete and carve a space for myself—I think that’s a great blessing,” she added.
Irani also reflected on the multifaceted challenges she faced. “Many people talk about hard work or good luck. But in my case, I think it had to be divine intervention. You can’t come from a poor background, be unapologetic about your ideology, uncompromising in your principles, be a woman—and still make it in two male-dominated spaces. God has to be particularly kind.”

The actress saw her fair shares of ups and downs in the industry. The actress revealed earning Rs 1800 per month and spoke about working in a fast food chain and even washing dishes as a part of her job. She had once said, “Side mein Hindustan ka pehla McDonald’s hai, uska interview chal raha tha. Toh mene pucha ki kuch agar chal raha hai, I can interview for. Toh unhone kaha ki ek hi position bacha hai vo entry level hai, unhone kaha bartan dhone ka kaam hai.That’s how I got my first job.