Smriti Malhotra Reflects on Her Iconic Role as Tulsi in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
The Journey of Smriti Malhotra as Tulsi
Smriti Malhotra, known for her portrayal of Tulsi in the immensely popular soap opera Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, experienced a unique journey in the realm of television fame. As the beloved character Tulsi Virani, she was warmly embraced by audiences across the nation. Did this fame lead to an identity crisis for her?
How Did It All Begin?
Her television career kicked off with Shrey Guleri’s countdown show, Bakeman’s Ooh La La, where she had to audition by reading lines. This performance-oriented show allowed her to explore the evolving representation of women in Hindi cinema, setting the stage for her dual portrayal of modern and traditional values in Kyunki Saas.
Getting Cast by Ekta Kapoor
Ekta Kapoor’s mother, Shobha Kapoor, discovered her during Ooh La La, which led to her casting in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Prior to this, she played a timid character in Aatish, which unfortunately did not succeed. However, the experience allowed her to collaborate with talented director Sanjay Upadhyay, whose influence she carried into her roles in Kyunki Saas and Kavita.
Fan Reactions to Tulsi
Interestingly, Smriti does not experience the typical star treatment; instead, she feels like a part of every family that watches the show. This connection is the highest praise for her as an actress, as viewers often refer to her as Tulsi, even on the sets of her other show, Kavita. The cast of Kyunki Saas has formed a familial bond over the past year.
Advice from Strangers
Viewers often approach her with advice regarding mother-in-law dynamics, especially during dramatic moments on the show. It’s touching to see how seriously audiences engage with the storyline.
Impact of Mihir's Death
The sudden death of her on-screen husband, Mihir, portrayed by Amar Upadhyay, left fans in shock. Many viewers reacted as if they were dealing with a personal loss, expressing their grief in a heartfelt manner, which deeply affected Smriti.
Feeling Responsible
Witnessing such a profound impact from her performance was unexpected for Smriti. While she knew the show had a strong connection with its audience, the intensity of their reactions was unprecedented in television history.
Comparisons with Past Soaps
While she acknowledges the emotional resonance of classic shows like Humlog and Buniyaad, she believes that the current audience's response is unique, transcending age groups. The suddenness of Mihir's death caught viewers off guard, amplifying their emotional reactions.
Training and Performance
Despite having no formal acting training, Smriti believes that acting schools can only refine skills but cannot teach the essence of acting. She immerses herself in Tulsi’s character to deliver authentic performances, crediting Ekta Kapoor for her perfect casting choices.
Aspirations Beyond Television
Smriti expresses her desire to perform rather than fit into conventional heroine roles. She acknowledges the challenge of transitioning from television to film, especially after portraying strong characters like Kavita and Tulsi. She is cautious about her career choices, opting for challenging roles and taking her time before committing to new projects.
Exploring Comedy
In an effort to diversify her roles, she took on a comedic part in the sitcom Kal Aaj Aur Kal, aiming to bring joy rather than tears to her audience.
Finding Happiness
To maintain her happiness, Smriti engages with various people, believing that a performer must continually refresh their life experiences.
Family Support
Her fiancé, now husband, has witnessed some episodes of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and is amazed by its success. Initially, her family was apprehensive about her acting career, fearing it might compromise her values. However, they are now proud of her achievements and the dignified roles she has chosen.