Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 7: After 25 years, India’s legendary daily soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is making a grand return with its original stars, including Smriti Irani as Tulsi and Amar Upadhyay as Mihir Virani.
The first look of Smriti reprising her iconic role as Tulsi surfaced online on Monday, triggering waves of nostalgia among fans. Dressed in a maroon saree, adorned with a large red bindi, traditional jewellery, a black-beaded mangalsutra, and her signature bun, Smriti’s look instantly transported viewers back to the early 2000s.
While the official release date of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 remains under wraps, Smriti shared her excitement in a press note:
“Returning to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is not just stepping into a role, but returning to a story that redefined Indian television and reshaped my own life. It connected me with millions of families and gave me a place in the emotional fabric of a generation. After 25 years of balancing media and public service, I come back not just as an actor but as someone who believes storytelling can inspire change, preserve culture, and build empathy.”
Fans flooded social media with emotional reactions. One wrote, “Tulsi is back! Smriti Irani’s return will revive nostalgia and skyrocket her popularity. From Kyunki to Parliament — what a journey!” Another added, “Iconic! Can’t wait to see her reprise Tulsi.”
Originally aired in 2000, the show ran for eight years and dominated the TRP charts, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Created by Ektaa Kapoor under Balaji Telefilms, the series deeply influenced Indian television and family dramas.
Celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary recently, Smriti shared a heartfelt Instagram post, calling it “an emotion, memory, ritual,” thanking viewers for making Tulsi a part of their lives:
“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.”
Ektaa Kapoor also marked the milestone with an emotional post and video, describing the show as “a piece of my heart” and crediting it with giving Balaji Telefilms its wings.
The show’s original storyline followed Tulsi Virani, her husband Mihir, and the Virani family, exploring themes of love, tradition, and family bonds that resonated with millions.
Smriti is making her acting comeback after 15 years, having left television to join politics and serve as the Minister of Women and Child Development. In a recent conversation with Barkha Dutt and Karan Johar in London, Smriti revealed that a sequel had been planned in 2014 but was shelved after she chose to serve in Parliament. She recalled Rishi Kapoor encouraging her to prioritize serving the country over acting, calling it a greater service.
Fans are eagerly waiting to see the return of Tulsi and the Virani family as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi prepares for its next chapter.