Union Minister and former television icon Smriti Irani has opened up about the relentless public and media questioning she faces over her life choices, from acting to politics. Her powerful, two-word retort – "Meri Marzi" (It's my choice) – is now being highlighted by mental health professionals as a crucial strategy for psychological resilience in the face of constant scrutiny.
The 'Meri Marzi' Response to Relentless Questioning
During a candid conversation on Raj Shamani's podcast Figuring Out in early January 2026, Irani reflected on the paradox of public opinion. The multi-faceted personality, who has been a model, a massively successful TV actor, and a Union Minister, shared that she is questioned at every turn.
"Pehle kehte the naukri kyu nahi kar rahi, ab keh rahe hain naukri kyu kar rahi hai. Pehle kehte the arrey actor ko mantri kyu banaya. Ab keh rahe hain arrey Smriti Irani ko mantri kyu nhi banaya," Irani stated, laughing at the contradictory nature of the criticism.
Her remarks came in the context of her recent return to television after around 17 years to reprise her legendary role as Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2. When a reporter asked why she was returning to acting, her confident reply was simply, "Meri Marzi." She noted that even when she asserts her choice, people often label her as "ghamandi" (arrogant).
Psychological Toll of Constant Public Scrutiny
Psychologists explain that the kind of non-stop evaluation Irani describes can have severe mental health implications. Sneha Shivarajan, a consultant psychologist at the Good Wave Foundation, notes that persistent scrutiny can lead to hypervigilance and decision fatigue.
"Individuals under persistent scrutiny may spend significant mental energy justifying every action," Shivarajan explains. This exhausting process can eventually cause a person to question their own reality and experience a loss of personal agency.
Echoing this view, Dr. Naveen Kumar Dhagudu, a senior consultant psychiatrist at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad, warns that ongoing public judgment can trigger heightened anxiety, stress, and a decline in self-esteem. "Continuous comparison and fear of criticism disturb emotional stability, weaken inner strength, and may even trigger irritability or depression," Dr. Dhagudu adds.
How 'Meri Marzi' Builds Mental Resilience
Irani's assertive stance is far from mere defiance; it is a psychologically sound method of self-preservation. According to the experts, such confident responses are a deliberate strategy to reclaim control and protect one's core identity.
"By asserting their right to choose, individuals draw boundaries against intrusive scrutiny and preserve emotional energy," says Shivarajan. Dr. Dhagudu emphasizes that statements like "Meri Marzi" reinforce personal autonomy, reduce feelings of vulnerability, and act as a shield to protect self-esteem from external attacks.
For anyone facing constant questioning, whether in the public eye or in personal life, psychologists recommend the following to maintain mental balance:
- Limit exposure to negative media or social media platforms.
- Cultivate a strong offline support system of trusted friends and family.
- Practice mindfulness and stress-management techniques, and consider therapy to separate self-worth from public opinion.
- Focus on internal values and goals rather than seeking external validation.
Smriti Irani's mantra, therefore, transcends a simple comeback. It represents a conscious, necessary effort to safeguard mental health, preserve autonomy, and assert personal dignity under the relentless public gaze. As the experts confirm, establishing such firm psychological boundaries is fundamental to maintaining confidence and emotional resilience.
