Quotes from Smriti Irani

I have seen rural life and met all kinds of people.

To say a democracy prospers only if one set of voices is heard would be untrue.

I want to categorically say that whatever I am, I have made a space for myself in Indian politics and media out of my own perseverance and hard work.

For me, I have never walked a path that has been carefully crafted or charted. I have gone into territory unknown on many an occasion.

I was going through a very bad phase when 'Kyunki... Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi... ' happened. I was just not getting any work.

I was the sports captain in school. I've done everything - from javelin to discus to basketball to judo.

A degree which is just the paper and does not have the sanctity of law is not the one you want the students chasing for four years.

I have an ideological umbilical cord with the BJP... we are three-generation party supporters... my grandfather was a swayamsevak, my mother, a BJP booth activist.

The platform of 'Kyunki' is irreplaceable in my life. This is where I began my journey as an actor.

As a politician, I engage with all kinds of opinions irrespective of whether they are in the media or not.

Even if Narendra Modi sneezes, people will find a reason to criticise him for that.

What type of politics is the Congress practising, wherein its leaders commit the sin of looting money meant for the welfare of pregnant women and poor children?

I have lived life enough to know that I define myself.

I am not defined by somebody's comments or an article or somebody's angst about me or their anxiety about me or what is being said about me on social media.

I was born in New Delhi in 1976.

In India, I don't think any woman here is dictated what to wear, how to wear, whom to meet, when to meet... I am of the opinion, I don't think anybody is dictated here; you are not told.

I think one of the biggest myths is that education cannot flourish with regulation. Another myth is that wherever the state sponsors education, it doesn't flourish.

I do see the ministry of Human Resources Development through the prism of gender. I see it through the prism of capabilities.

I think processes should not differ just because you are a minister. This is a job - a responsibility - not a right to override the processes that every citizen goes through.

I've been in various roles in TV - writer, producer, associate director.

I am lucky to be part of a 'Kyunki.' Not every actor gets a chance to be part of a successful television show.

I know the pros and cons of being absolutely blunt.

I know the pros and cons of not being diplomatic.

Every Indian has a right to take part in politics. Why not me?