Imagine being advised against marriage by one of Bollywood’s most iconic stars—and realizing it’s too late to take that advice! This is exactly what happened to Smriti Irani when she first met Shah Rukh Khan. Today, Smriti is widely recognized as a prominent politician, but many still fondly remember her as Tulsi from the beloved TV series Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Long before her political career, Smriti began as a model, and her journey was filled with memorable encounters with Bollywood’s biggest names.
In a recent interview with Mashable India, Smriti shared a hilarious anecdote about her first meeting with Shah Rukh Khan, which was arranged by her husband, Zubin Irani. But here’s where it gets controversial—Shah Rukh’s first words to her were, ‘Listen, don’t get married.’ Smriti, already married at the time, quipped back, ‘Bhai, too late!’ This playful exchange left a lasting impression on her, showcasing Shah Rukh’s signature wit and charm. It’s a moment she still cherishes, and it’s hard not to wonder: Would her life have been different if she’d taken his advice?
And this is the part most people miss—Smriti’s first brush with Bollywood stardom wasn’t just about meeting Shah Rukh. Her very first day on a film set, coincidentally, also involved him! She was part of a movie featuring Shah Rukh and Juhi Chawla, directed by Aziz Mirza. Her role? A mere silhouette in the background. ‘They told me to wear the dress and just stand there,’ she recalled with a laugh. Interestingly, the dress she wore was the same iconic black outfit Manisha Koirala donned in the song Raja Ko Rani Se Pyaar Ho Gaya from Akele Hum Akele Tum. Talk about a full-circle moment!
But Smriti’s encounters with Bollywood royalty didn’t stop there. She also shared a hilarious story involving Salman Khan’s father, the legendary writer Salim Khan. When Zubin first introduced Smriti to Salman, Salim Khan was present, and he couldn’t resist teasing the pair. ‘Do you know what your husband and my son used to do? They’d steal my car and drive off! Nikamme hai dono!’ Smriti laughed as she recalled the moment, admitting she didn’t know where to look while Salman and Zubin sheepishly avoided eye contact.
Here’s the thought-provoking question for you: If Shah Rukh Khan’s advice had come earlier, do you think Smriti Irani’s life would have taken a different path? Or was her destiny always meant to lead her to where she is today? Let’s spark a discussion—share your thoughts in the comments below!
