Smriti Irani refuses to play courtesan - Smriti's rare and unseen pictures

New Delhi: Actress-politician Smriti Irani has turned down a role in Ekta Kapoor's promotional series Ek Thi Naayika, as she is reluctant to portray a courtesan.

A Bharatiya Janata Party MP, Smriti prefers to be cautious about her professional decisions. When Ekta, who gave Smriti a huge platform with hit show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi over a decade ago, asked the actress to play a nautch girl in an episode of Ek Thi Naayika, Smriti asked for a change. Ekta obliged, and asked Sakshi Tanwar to play the part instead.

Smriti will now feature in another story in the same show. Smriti was caught in controversy sometime back when a politician mocked at her as a former dancer who had entered politics only some years ago. The TV series is a prelude to Ekta and Vishal Bhardwaj's co-production Ek Thi Daayan. It is a unique marketing innovation to promote a movie via a TV series.

Click on the slider below to view rare and unseen pictures of TV heartthrob Smriti Irani.

Smriti Irani

Smriti Malhotra Irani with husband Zubin Irani.

Smriti Irani

Smriti with husband Zubin Irani.

Smriti Irani

Smriti with husband and son Zohr Irani.

Smriti Irani

That's Smriti Irani in the centre.

Smriti Irani

Smriti Irani at her best!

Smriti Irani

Smriti Irani is active in politics and is also a Bharatiya Janata Party MP.

Smriti Irani

Smriti looks cute!

Smriti Irani

That is Smriti Irani on the extreme right during her modelling days.

Smriti Irani

Smriti is one actress who always speaks her mind.

Smriti Irani

Smriti Irani during her modelling days.