Friday, March 29, 2024
ADVT 
Bollywood

That One Time When Smriti Irani Was Rejected As Not Fit For TV

Darpan News Desk IANS, 06 Nov, 2017 01:28 PM
  • That One Time When Smriti Irani Was Rejected As Not Fit For TV
Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani says producer Ekta Kapoor chose her to lead the cast of "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" even though her team had rejected her as "not fit" for television.
 
Irani spoke at the 17th Indian Television Academy (ITA) Awards where she was conferred the ITA Pride of Indian Television award here on Sunday night.
 
"I have been associated with television for over 20 years now. Television gave me a platform to enter Indian political space and I will be forever grateful for that. Also, Ekta Kapoor spotted me among the many young girls who had come for audition and selected me despite her team having rejected me as not fit for TV.
 
"In 2007, when I was the anchor at the ITA Awards, I had invited the then Information and Broadcasting Minister on stage. So life has come a full circle for me to be invited on this stage as the serving Information and Broadcasting Minister."
 
Irani, a former Miss India contestant, had risen to popularity as Tulsi Virani, the protagonist of the "saas-bahu" show which was launched at the start of the millenium and had a long run of over 1,800 episodes.
 
Ekta and Irani, who continue to remain friends, made the most of their time together at the ITA Awards event. Ekta even clicked a selfie with her and posted it on social media.
 
At the gala, Ekta, who was named the ITA Sterling Icon, said: "There is one episode relating to Smriti Irani which I have to narrate. I used to call my nanny 'Amma' and she was so hooked to Smriti's character that every night, she would narrate the happenings from the show to me. So once I took her on the sets to meet Smriti and Smriti bowed down and touched her feet.
 
"That image of Smriti will remain with me forever."
 
Ekta's father and veteran actor Jeetendra said: "My memories of Smriti from her 'Kyunki...' days are still so fresh. Her dedication to her craft was exemplary and it was evident from her young days that she was cut for bigger things." 
 
The award ceremony saw "Inside Edge" win the Best Web Series. The Best Serial - Drama (Jury) went to "P.O.W.: Bandi Yuddh Ke", while the Best Serial (Popular) went to "Ishqbaaz" and "Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain" won the Best Serial - Comedy accolades.
 
In the Best Historical/Mythological Serial category, "Karmaphal Daata Shani" took away the prize, and "Dev" won the Best Thriller/Horror Serial.
 
Star Plus won the Best GEC (Popular) award.
 
The comedy department was a clean sweep by "Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain" as Aasif Shaikh and Rohitashv Gour shared the Best Actor - Comedy title and Shubhangi Atre won the Best Actress - Comedy award.
 
The Best Actress in a Supporting Role went to Rajeshwari Sachdev for "Peshwa Bajirao". Among men, it went to her real life husband Varun Badola for "Mere Angne Mein".
 
Best Actor in a Negative Role was won by Denzil Smith for "P.O.W.: Bandi Yuddh Ke". Kamya Punjabi's role in "Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki" was lauded among the females.

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

Who’s Most Likely To?...WATCH: Khan Sisters Gauahar And Nigaar Reveal Secrets Online

Who’s Most Likely To?...WATCH: Khan Sisters Gauahar And Nigaar Reveal Secrets Online
Actresses and sisters Gauaharand Nigaar Khan have revealed each other's secrets and habits online.

Who’s Most Likely To?...WATCH: Khan Sisters Gauahar And Nigaar Reveal Secrets Online

Too Early To Analyze 'Ittefaq', Says Akshaye Khanna

Too Early To Analyze 'Ittefaq', Says Akshaye Khanna
Actor Akshaye Khanna, whose comeback murder-mystery "Ittefaq" opened with great reviews but slow collection, on Saturday said he believes it is too early to analyze the film in terms of collection.

Too Early To Analyze 'Ittefaq', Says Akshaye Khanna

Vidya Balan Shares 'True Definition' Of Being Actor

Vidya Balan Shares 'True Definition' Of Being Actor
Talking about her film journey and acting in "Tumari Sulu", Vidya said here on Friday: "I am very grateful that I have got opportunities to play different characters in each of my films. I feel that's the true definition of being an actor."

Vidya Balan Shares 'True Definition' Of Being Actor

I'm A Lifelong Fan Of Sanjay Kapoor, Says Anil Kapoor

I'm A Lifelong Fan Of Sanjay Kapoor, Says Anil Kapoor
  Anil, 60, on Monday praised his Sanjay's debut television show "Dil Sambhal Jaa Zara" on Twitter. 

I'm A Lifelong Fan Of Sanjay Kapoor, Says Anil Kapoor

Indian Short Film ‘The School Bag’ Wins Award In Montreal

Indian Short Film ‘The School Bag’ Wins Award In Montreal
Indian short film "The School Bag", which tells a story based in Pakistan, has won the Best Short Film Award at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM), says director Dheeraj Jindal.

Indian Short Film ‘The School Bag’ Wins Award In Montreal

Struggle, Strife My Incentives To Make Films I Want To: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has wrapped up the shoot for this years most eagerly awaited Bollywood film "Padmavati", which has been mired in controversy. He says he doesn't think about the struggle as negative forces.

Struggle, Strife My Incentives To Make Films I Want To: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

PrevNext