Smriti Irani reveals being addressed as ‘Telangana Thalli’ after doing South film ‘Jai Bolo Telangana’

Actress-turned-politician

Smriti Irani

revealed in a podcast about she is still affectionately called "

Telangana Thalli

" after her role in the South Indian film "

Jai Bolo Telangana

." The title reflects her connection to the region and its culture.
She shared, “I did a movie called ‘Jai Bolo Telangana’. I painted my whole hair white. The film was my first

Telugu film

for the students’ revolt for the creation for the state of Telangana.

Now, I did it when we knew people of all ideologies that come together irrespective of our politics. And I was supposed to play the role of a mother who’s imploring students not to commit suicide for the movement of the state. So even now when I go to Telangana, they call me ‘Telangana Thalli’. So those are the parts of my career, which are possibly not known.”
She further spoke about her career choices and being the highest paid actresses back then. She said, “I was the highest paid actor by the time I left. When I came in, I was the lowest paid. And I do, at many times tell women that they should negotiate their contract better because when I came into acting, I had no money so I was take any money that was given to me because I had not proven my capacity then. But in the first year of

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi

, I was very clear that I was carrying the show on my shoulders. So, first year of renegotiating my contract was the toughest year because I still didn’t have that much money. But I knew my capacities, I knew what I could leverage. So the first two-three years of having arrived were the tough ones because you start negotiating contracts with people who are otherwise comfortable with you till you ask for what is your right. But yes, when I left, I was the highest-paid actor in

Indian television

.”