Smriti 'Tulsi' Irani says politics is now her priority

For Smriti Zubin Irani who shot to fame by portraying the character of Tulsi in the popular Hindi soap opera 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi', acting has now taken a back seat and politics has become her priority.

Popularly known as Tulsi among her fans, the BJP leader, heading the party's woman's wing denied that her iconic status

in the 'saas-bahu' TV serial, which ran for a record eight

years contributed to her political success.

"I joined as an office-bearer of the BJP in 2003. I have been the vice-president of the youth wing of Maharashtra BJP, secretary of the state, two-time national secretary and a five-time executive member of the central committee. It's different that this experience was never spoken about," she said.

"One can't live on past glories. One needs to work toward newer pastures and new goals," said Irani.

Refusing to admit that Tulsi contributed to her political popularity, Irani said, "I remember an overseas trip when somebody looked at me and shouted BJP. One cannot say that one's acting capability is reflected in one's work in a political organization too. That does not happen."

Asked about her future plans in acting, she said, "There is shortage of time. I have done one Bengali film recently (Amrita) opposite Victor Banerjee. It is nearing completion. I am very choosy about work. But right now, my priority is politics."