'Manniben.com' has boosted SAB TV's growth: Smriti Irani

New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) It's a double whammy for Smriti Irani -- she takes pride in being the youngest celebrity to be made a national secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and her serial "Manniben.com" on SAB TV has helped the channel to grow by 12 percent.

"I am the youngest celebrity the party has ever chosen for such a respectful position," said the 33-year-old star who couldn't take more acting assignments because she was busy campaigning for the Maharashtra election.

"I am doing less work these days as campaigning for the party has kept me busy. I was travelling across the country. I have just returned from Arunachal Pradesh and would go out again soon," Smriti told IANS on phone from Mumbai.

She has already addressed a series of election meetings while campaigning for the party in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, which goes to polls Tuesday. In Mumbai, she campaigned for BJP candidate Bala Bhegade from Maval constituency.

Smriti became a household name after her stint on Ekta Kapoor's daily soap "Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi".

After that she also ventured into production and her latest is comedy serial "Maniben.com", where she plays the title role. She says the serial has boosted SAB TV's popularity.

"'Maniben.com' has given the channel a 12 percent growth, a contribution which I am proud of," said Smriti, who was recently honoured as top television celebrity.

"Percept Talent Management (PTM), and Hansa Research have named me as the top celebrity from television in their research for the most effective brand ambassadors in the country. I am really happy about that," she said.

She is also active in theatre.

"My latest play 'Muktidham' is in Gujarati, which has been the biggest hit of 2009," said Smriti, who has two more plays under production.

• Television