Will Smriti’s Maniben.com take off?

The TV industry is abuzz with tales of Smriti Iraani bringing her popular Gujarati play, Maniben.com on the small screen. However, will this turn into a reality remains to be seen as it’s also speculated that after her initial willingness, Smriti has shelved the idea. We called up Smriti but she was busy in meeting. Later, we sent her a text regarding the same but there was no response. Actor Nitin Vakharia, who was paired opposite Smriti in Maniben.com says, “Smriti Iraani had approached me with this idea but since then I haven’t heard a word from her.” When asked about it, Imitaz Patel, the writer and director of Maniben.com, offered a diplomatic reply, “The best person to answer your query will be Smriti Iraani. However, I will have no objection whether she wants to turn my play into a TV show or a film. As a writer, my only concern is whether I’m getting due credit for my work.” A popular figure from Gujarati Theatre though has given the thumbs down to this project. “From what I learnt is that Smriti has now scrapped the idea. That after she herself had initiated it. The TV industry is very uncertain and you never can be sure of a project till it hits the floor.” Maniben.com is the tale of a simple Gujarati couple who migrate from their village to Mumbai’s posh Pali Hill. Soon Jaman Patel (Nitin Vakharia) begins to find Mani (Smriti Iraani) very inferior compared to his affluent neighbours, as she can’t even speak English. However, Mani makes a futile attempt to learn English and engages in fashion designing. Mani then even takes part in the Mrs.World contest but her husband isn’t supportive of her career and threatens to divorce her if she goes for this contest. Maniben.com is a humorous journey of a down- to- earth woman who accepts a challenge and triumphs.