From Selling Lipsticks to Drafting Policies: Smriti Irani’s Unbelievable Story ft. Smriti Irani

Jul 28, 2025

57:52

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Episode notes

The content features an interview with Smriti Irani, a prominent Indian politician and media personality. She discusses her journey from humble beginnings to achieving success in politics and media. Irani emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, the value of legacy over popularity, and the need to embrace chaos as a part of life. She shares personal anecdotes about her struggles, her relationship with faith, and her views on leadership, particularly for women in male-dominated fields. Irani advocates for self-awareness and gratitude, encouraging individuals to take ownership of their lives and decisions.

👇About the Guest

Smriti Irani is a prominent Indian public figure known for her successful transitions between acting and politics. She initially gained widespread fame as a popular television actress, most notably for her lead role as Tulsi Virani in the hit soap opera "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi." Later, she embarked on a significant political career with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She served as a Union Cabinet Minister from 2014 to 2024, holding crucial portfolios like Human Resource Development (Education), Textiles, Women and Child Development, and Minority Affairs. A key political highlight was her 2019 victory in Amethi, where she defeated Rahul Gandhi, a long-standing member of the Indian National Congress. She has since announced her return to acting, reprising her role as Tulsi in a new season of "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi," while maintaining her commitment to politics.

👇Highlights

🎤 Legacy Over Popularity: Irani emphasizes that true legends are made by doing what others lack the audacity to do, rather than merely seeking popularity in politics and media.

🌍 Finding Peace in Chaos: She reflects on the chaos of life, asserting that Indians possess an intrinsic ability to find calm amidst turmoil, which she believes is essential to navigating life.

🙏 The Role of Faith: Irani shares her belief in God as a guiding force in her life, viewing her faith as a source of strength and resilience in overcoming challenges.

💪 Women in Leadership: She advises women to be assertive without seeking validation, highlighting that confidence can often be misconstrued as arrogance in a male-dominated environment.

🌱 Self-Awareness and Growth: Irani stresses the importance of understanding one's fears and insecurities, encouraging individuals to address their self-confidence issues through self-reflection and personal development.

❤️ Gratitude and Kindness: She advocates for expressing gratitude towards those who offer advice and support, recognizing the kindness behind their actions as a means to foster meaningful connections.

👇Timestamps

Introduction to Smriti Irani - 00:00

Personal Journey and Background - 00:46

Self-Perception and Relationships - 03:11

Beliefs and Spirituality - 06:00

Career Path and Politics - 08:42

Experience and Leadership - 14:18

Impact and Legacy - 18:42

Navigating Challenges - 21:40

Advice for Women in Male-Dominated Environments - 26:17

The Nature of Success and Failure - 36:13

Self-Confidence and Overcoming Fear - 39:19