Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani says producer Ekta Kapoor chose her to lead the cast of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi even though her team had rejected her as “not fit” for television.

Irani spoke at the 17th Indian Television Academy (ITA) Awards where she was conferred the ITA Pride of Indian Television award here on Sunday night.

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“I have been associated with television for over 20 years now. Television gave me a platform to enter Indian political space and I will be forever grateful for that. Also, Ekta Kapoor spotted me among the many young girls who had come for audition and selected me despite her team having rejected me as not fit for TV.

“In 2007, when I was the anchor at the ITA Awards, I had invited the then Information and Broadcasting Minister on stage. So life has come a full circle for me to be invited on this stage as the serving Information and Broadcasting Minister.”

Irani, a former Miss India contestant, had risen to popularity as Tulsi Virani, the protagonist of the “saas-bahu” show which was launched at the start of the millenium and had a long run of over 1,800 episodes.

Ekta and Irani, who continue to remain friends, made the most of their time together at the ITA Awards event. Ekta even clicked a selfie with her and posted it on social media.

At the gala, Ekta, who was named the ITA Sterling Icon, said: “There is one episode relating to Smriti Irani which I have to narrate. I used to call my nanny ‘Amma’ and she was so hooked to Smriti’s character that every night, she would narrate the happenings from the show to me. So once I took her on the sets to meet Smriti and Smriti bowed down and touched her feet.

“That image of Smriti will remain with me forever.”

Ekta’s father and veteran actor Jeetendra said: “My memories of Smriti from her ‘Kyunki…’ days are still so fresh. Her dedication to her craft was exemplary and it was evident from her young days that she was cut for bigger things.”

The award ceremony saw Inside Edge win the Best Web Series. The Best Serial – Drama (Jury) went to P.O.W.: Bandi Yuddh Ke, while the Best Serial (Popular) went to Ishqbaaz and Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain won the Best Serial – Comedy accolades.

In the Best Historical/Mythological Serial category, Karmaphal Daata Shani took away the prize, and Dev won the Best Thriller/Horror Serial.

Star Plus won the Best GEC (Popular) award.

The comedy department was a clean sweep by Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain as Aasif Shaikh and Rohitashv Gour shared the Best Actor – Comedy title and Shubhangi Atre won the Best Actress – Comedy award.

The Best Actress in a Supporting Role went to Rajeshwari Sachdev for Peshwa Bajirao. Among men, it went to her real life husband Varun Badola for Mere Angne Mein.

Best Actor in a Negative Role was won by Denzil Smith for P.O.W.: Bandi Yuddh Ke. Kamya Punjabi’s role in Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki was lauded among the females.