Smriti Irani, a prominent figure in Indian politics and a former actress, recently shared an anecdote about her family's reaction to her selection for the Femina Miss India pageant. Irani, born Smriti Malhotra, comes from a conservative family where traditional career paths were favored, especially for women. Opportunities in modeling or entertainment were not readily embraced. Against this backdrop, she secretly applied for the prestigious Miss India pageant.

Irani recalled the day the call came, stating, "I still remember the day. It was Vasant Kunj, a rented flat and the call came. Somebody from the family picked it up and that family member asks why is TOI calling". The call was from The Times of India, a routine communication for pageant finalists. The family member who answered the phone inquired about the reason for the call, and the response was that Smriti Malhotra had been selected for Femina Miss India. According to Irani, the news was received as nothing short of a "bombshell".

The news was met with disbelief and shock, particularly from her sister, who exclaimed, "You don’t even wear color-coordinated clothes". This reaction underscored the family's perception of Irani as someone far removed from the world of glamour and beauty pageants. Irani also revealed that her father was initially furious upon discovering her application. His anger was compounded by the secrecy with which she had applied. Unprepared for the limelight and the idea of their daughter stepping onto a national stage, the announcement was a shock for the conservative family. Her father asked his assistant to accompany her to Mumbai, fully expecting her to lose and be brought back home.

Despite the initial disapproval, the phone call proved to be a turning point. Smriti Irani did not win the Miss India crown, but the opportunity opened doors for her future endeavors. She realized that the life of a model was not for her, needing something more to fuel her. From modeling assignments to television roles, including her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi," and eventually her entry into politics, each milestone can be traced back to that unexpected phone call.

Smriti Irani's journey began with humble beginnings, including working at India's first McDonald's outlet. She participated in the Miss India contest in 1998, where she was among the finalists. In 2003, Irani joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and quickly rose through the ranks. She became a prominent figure, holding various significant positions in the Indian Union Cabinet. Irani served as a Member of Parliament, representing Gujarat in the Rajya Sabha from 2011 to 2019 and Amethi in the Lok Sabha from 2019 to 2024. She held ministerial portfolios such as Minister of Human Resource Development, Minister of Textiles, and Minister of Women and Child Development.