Smriti Irani refuses to play nautch girl in in Ekta Kapoor's series 'Ek Thi Naayika'

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.

Actress-politician Smriti Irani has turned down a role in Ekta Kapoor\'s promotional series \'Ek Thi Naayika\'.

Confirming the same, Tanuj Garg, CEO Balaji Telefilms, said: "Yes, it's true. Smriti wasn't comfortable playing a nautch girl in the series. So now the story will be shot with Sakshi Tanwar."

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.

"A few months ago due to a politician's comments on Smriti's acting career, she was involved in a controversy that got blown out of proportion. It seems to have impacted the way she does television now. Smriti has agreed to do a two-episode story in 'Ek Thi Naayika' for Ekta," said a source.

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. Eight female actors will be seen in the show for two episodes each, and it will air on Life OK starting mid-March.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)