Smriti Irani Says She Was Surprised By Umbrella Guy On Kyunki 2 Sets: 'This Hasn't Happened To Me Before'

Actor and politician Smriti Irani has finally reacted to viral reports claiming she was shooting the reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi under Z+ security. Speaking on The Bombay Journey by Mashable

India, Smriti laughed off the rumours and said she herself was surprised when she read them online.

“I was really surprised when this news about me was circulated, that I would be shooting under Z security, with tight protection. I had a hearty laugh,” Smriti said, recalling the buzz that surrounded her return to television earlier this year.

The Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi star shared that she only received any kind of “special treatment” once — and that too as part of an on-set misunderstanding. “The umbrella guy suddenly appeared with an umbrella near me. Apparently, the production team thought that showing some grandeur was necessary. I was like, ‘What is happening? Nothing like this has ever happened to me before!’” she laughed.

Earlier this year, reports suggested that Smriti’s comeback to acting, in the reboot of the hit Ektaa Kapoor show, was being filmed under Z+ security protocols — one of the highest levels of protection in India. According to the reports, mobile phones were taped on set to prevent leaks, and strict supervision was in place during filming.

A source had told India Forums, “The mobile phones of everyone on the sets, excluding Amar sir, Smriti ma’am and Ekta ma’am, will be taped. Everyone will be barred from using their mobile phones. Smriti is also shooting with Z Plus security, and everyone on the sets will have to adhere to the strict security protocols laid.”

Smriti Irani first played Tulsi Virani over two decades ago, and her character went on to become one of the most loved on Indian television. The show air from 2000 to 2008. The show was co-produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor under their banner Balaji Telefilms.

Smriti Irani Politics

Smriti Irani, born into a Marathi-Punjabi-Bengali family in Delhi, began her career in 1994 as a model and actor. She rose to fame as Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and appeared in shows like Maniben.com, Teen Bahuraaniyaan, and Kavita. She is married to businessman Zubin Irani.

Smriti joined the BJP in 2003 and quickly rose through the ranks. She was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat in 2011 and re-elected in 2017. After losing to Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2014, she defeated him in 2019. However, in 2024, she lost the seat to Congress candidate KL Sharma.