After 25 years, India's iconic daily soap 'Kyunki... Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' is returning with the original cast, led by actor-politician Smriti Irani, who became a household name with her character Tulsi. While the release date of 'Kyunki... Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2’ has not been disclosed yet, the first look of Smriti as Tulsi emerged this week delighting its many fans.
In the image, Smriti is seen dressed in a bright saree. Adding a touch from the past, she completed her look with the signature big red bindi, traditional jewellery, a black-beaded mangalsutra and, of course, tied her hair in a bun – the way fans saw her years ago.
On reprising her iconic character, Smriti said: "Returning to ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ is not just a step back into a role, but a return to a story that redefined Indian television and reshaped my own life. It gave me more than commercial success; it gave me a connection with millions of homes, a place in the emotional fabric of a generation.
"In the 25 years since, I've straddled two powerful platforms – media and public policy – each with its own impact, each demanding a different kind of commitment. Today, I stand at a crossroads where experience meets emotion and creativity meets conviction. I return not just as an actor but as someone who believes in the power of storytelling to spark change, preserve culture, and build empathy. In contributing to this next chapter, I hope to honour the legacy of ‘Kyunki…’ and help shape a future where India's creative industries aren't just celebrated, but truly empowered."
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The show, which began airing in 2000, quickly became a household name. It ran for eight long years and ruled the TRP charts for most of the time. Created by Ektaa Kapoor and produced under her banner, Balaji Telefilms, the show was a major hit with viewers and played a big part in shaping Indian TV dramas.
Recently, the show completed 25 years. And to mark the silver jubilee, Smriti shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, reflecting on how the show has touched people's lives.
Calling the show "an emotion, memory, ritual”, Smriti wrote: "25 years ago, a story entered Indian homes and quietly became part of countless lives. ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ wasn't just a show--it was emotion, memory, ritual.A time when families paused everything to sit together... cry, laugh, hope.To every viewer who made Tulsi a part of their own family, thank you.This journey wasn't mine alone. It was ours. And it always will be."
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Kapoor also shared her feelings on the show's anniversary, calling it "a piece of my heart".
‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ followed the life of Tulsi Virani, her husband Mihir (played by Amar Upadhyay), and the entire Virani family. The show's story of family, love, and tradition struck a chord with viewers all across the country.
Its sequel marks a comeback for Smriti Irani in the acting field after 15 years following her dive into politics and successful years as a senior Cabinet minister.
(ANI)