- By Sidhi Agarwall
- Sun, 29 Jun 2025 04:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ram Kapoor and Smriti Irani, two titans of television in India, although they have not worked together much, are both two of the most recognisable faces from television's golden age in India. Smriti Irani rose to stardom playing Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, while Ram Kapoor became popular from Kasamh Se, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, and Ghar Ek Mandir. Ram Kapoor, who is well-known for his physical transformation after a significant weight loss, recently praised Smriti Irani in recognition of her success despite putting on weight while she was on television.
Ram Kapoor, in a conversation with Humans of Bombay, reflected on his 55-kilogram weight loss transformation and the challenges overweight actors often face in the entertainment industry. Amid this, he spoke fondly of Smriti Irani’s evolution on-screen and her ability to break stereotypes. “When she started Kyunki Saas and when she ended, she was huge,” Ram said. “Her logic was, ‘Now I have played a character who has taken so many leaps. Now I am playing a grandmother. ’ So you see her in the first year of Kyunki to the last year; you will notice that she is as big as I am. We were equally successful.”
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Ram went on to explain how Smriti remained authentic to her character's arc, embracing physical changes as part of her performance. “I have even spoken to her about this. She was just staying true to her character. When she entered the series, she played just a wife, then she became a mother, and then the show took several leaps in eight years of its run. She allowed herself to become bigger. If she had continued in television, she would have probably been much bigger than me. She left because she joined politics, and she is doing great.”
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Ram Kapoor also addressed his own health transformation and the use of Ozempic, which is a drug often associated with weight loss. Responding to criticism, he remarked, “If your doctor asks you to take it, will you listen to your doctor or to those on social media? Also, people say it’s a shortcut. You have only one life. If your doctor asks you to take the shortcut, take it.” He further added, “Live your life as healthily as you can. Why the hell will you not take a shortcut if the doctor is telling you to?”
Meanwhile, Smriti Irani's representation of Tulsi Virani not only gave her statewide love and fame but also created her political career. Today, Smriti serves her country as a Union Minister in the Indian government while continuing to inspire millions.