At Just 49…: Smriti Irani Clarifies Acting Return Is a ‘Side Project,’ Politics Remains Priority

At Just 49…: Smriti Irani, who held many important portfolios in the Union Cabinet during her political career, created a retirement buzz when she announced her comeback on the screen with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The actor-politician put the buzz to rest and said 49 is not the age to retire.

Speaking exclusively to India Today, she said, "Who retires at 49. People's careers do not even start at 49. I have been an MP thrice, I have been a minister of three departments. There is still a long way to go."

Asked if she would contest 2029 election from Amethi — she lost in 2024 to Congress candidate KL Sharma — she didn’t give a direct answer, said party will decide.“I cannot predict what the party will decide. Maybe the party will decide something in 2026, or even 2025,” she said, smiling.

Also Read: Delhi Head Constable Assaulted While Detaining Youths Drinking in Public in Vikaspuri

“Why talk about 2029? Who knows what BJP will say in 2029? Why not 2026 or even 2025?” she said, brushing aside the idea of a long break with a confident smile.

She was asked about her political future after her 2024 Lok Sabha defeat from Amethi, the high profile constituency she won in 2019 by defeating Rahul Gandhi. Speaking on the outcome, Irani said, “Now, it’s not my responsibility to be aggressive toward Rahul Gandhi. In 2024, the Gandhi family refused to face me. I can't chase after them.” She noted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had chosen not to contest from Amethi this time, a seat historically associated with his family. Citing political history, Irani pointed out, “Sharad Yadav lost from Amethi, Menaka Gandhi lost. The Gandhi family only chose that seat due to favourable social equations.”

Also Read: Iran Confronts Us Destroyer in Gulf of Oman, Claims American Warship Driven Off

Irani was also quick to point out that a single election result does not define her work or worth. “People talk about me during mayoral elections, assembly elections, and parliamentary elections- because my name is Smriti Irani. I have been an MP three times, served as a minister in five departments. Who retires at 49? People are just starting their careers,” she said. On her connection with Amethi, she added, “From cleaning drains to building one lakh homes and setting up a medical college, I lived among the people and worked at the grassroots.”

She said in response, it’s not her responsibility to attack Rahul Gandhi anymore.

About her return to TV acting, she laughed and gave what she termed a “childish” answer: “Meri marzi (It's my choice)… I have always been like this... I do not believe in living a small life."

“I have not moved away (from politics). But I understand I have to face more taunts since I have defeated the Congress president (Rahul Gandhi in 2019),” she said.

Also Read: Technical Snag Reported in IndiGo Ahmedabad-Diu Flight, Aborts Take-Off