Smriti Irani dismisses quitting politics after TV return at age 49

Former Union Minister Smriti Irani, who is returning to television with a reboot of the iconic series Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, has dismissed rumours of quitting politics. In an interview with India Today TV, Irani emphasized, “Who retires at 49? People don’t even begin their political careers at this age. I’ve been an MP three times and held five ministries — I have a long way to go.”

Responding to whether she would contest the 2029 Lok Sabha polls from Amethi after her 2024 loss to Congress leader KL Sharma, Irani remained non-committal. “I can’t predict what the party will decide — maybe in 2026, or even 2025,” she said with a smile.