Shah Rukh Khan Once Told Smriti Irani ‘Don’t Get Married’; Here’s What Happened Next

Before becoming one of India’s most recognized political figures, Smriti Irani had an unexpected brush with Bollywood royalty — including a memorable encounter with Shah Rukh Khan that she still recalls fondly. Long before Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi turned her into a household name, Smriti’s husband, Zubin Irani, connected her to some of Hindi cinema’s biggest icons.

In a recent interview with Mashable India, Smriti revealed that she first met Shah Rukh through her husband — and the superstar’s advice to her was both funny and strangely prophetic.

When Shah Rukh Khan Told Smriti Irani ‘Don’t Get Married’

“I met Shah Rukh courtesy of my husband,” Smriti shared. “He knew him, so I would pester him many times to ask Shah Rukh for an interview.

When I finally met him, the first thing he said was, ‘Listen, don’t get married. Main bata raha hoon tujhe, mat karna shaadi (I’m telling you, don’t get married).’ I told him, ‘Bhai, too late!’”

The witty exchange revealed not just Shah Rukh’s trademark charm but also Smriti’s easy humour — something that continues to define her both on and off screen.

Smriti Irani’s Early Days Around Bollywood

The politician-actor also reminisced about her earliest experience on a film set, which, coincidentally, also involved Shah Rukh. “There was a movie with Shah Rukh and Juhi Chawla that Aziz Mirza had done. That was my first shot ever, and I was just a silhouette,” she said.

Smriti revealed she was dressed in the same iconic black outfit worn by Manisha Koirala in Akele Hum Akele Tum’s hit song ‘Raja Ko Rani Se Pyaar Ho Gaya’. “They told me to wear the dress and just stand there. That was my first time facing the camera,” she laughed.

The Salim Khan Encounter That Left Smriti Speechless

Smriti also recalled another unforgettable Bollywood moment — meeting Salim Khan, father of superstar Salman Khan. “At St. Xavier’s, Salman and my husband were classmates. So the first time Zubin took me to meet Salman, Salim Khan was there. He said, ‘Tumko malum hai tumhare miyan sahab mere bete ke saath kya karte the? (Do you know what your husband and my son used to do?) They used to steal my car and drive off. Nikamme hai dono (Both are useless)!’”

Smriti said she stood there silently as both Salman and her husband looked down in embarrassment. “I didn’t know where to look!” she laughed.

From Film Sets to Parliament

From being a silhouette on a Shah Rukh Khan film set to making her mark in Indian politics, Smriti Irani’s journey is as unexpected as it is inspiring. Her stories reveal a woman who has navigated many worlds — from television to cinema to the corridors of power — all while holding on to her humour and humility.