In an era where television is dominated by fleeting trends and short-lived reality shows, the return of a cultural juggernaut like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi feels like a homecoming for millions of Indian viewers. On July 29, 2025, Star Plus will reintroduce the iconic soap opera, with Smriti Irani stepping back into the role of Tulsi Virani, the ideal daughter-in-law who became a household name in the early 2000s. The first look of Irani as Tulsi, draped in a maroon saree with a bold red bindi, has already sent waves of nostalgia across social media, igniting excitement among fans and rekindling memories of a time when families gathered around their TVs every evening. This article explores the significance of Smriti Irani’s return, the legacy of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, and why this reboot is poised to be a defining moment in Indian television.
A Legacy That Defined Indian Television
When Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi premiered on July 3, 2000, it didn’t just capture viewers—it transformed the Indian television landscape. Produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, the show, which ran for over 1,800 episodes until November 6, 2008, was more than a daily soap; it was a cultural phenomenon. Centered on Tulsi Virani, a principled pandit’s daughter married into the wealthy Virani family, the series wove intricate tales of family dynamics, love, sacrifice, and betrayal. Its record-breaking TRPs, often hitting double digits for six consecutive years, made it a prime-time ritual, with families pausing their lives to laugh, cry, and debate alongside Tulsi and her on-screen clan.
The show’s success lay in its relatability. Tulsi, portrayed with unparalleled conviction by Smriti Irani, embodied the quintessential Indian bahu—dutiful yet resilient, traditional yet fiercely independent. Her struggles against family politics, her unwavering moral compass, and her chemistry with Mihir Virani (played by Amar Upadhyay) struck a chord with audiences across generations. From the iconic title track to the dramatic twists—like Mihir’s multiple “deaths” and resurrections—the show became a shared experience, uniting households in a way few programs have since.
Smriti Irani’s Return: A Full-Circle Moment
Smriti Irani’s return as Tulsi Virani is not just a career milestone but a deeply personal journey. Now a seasoned politician, having served as India’s Minister of Women and Child Development, Irani has navigated two powerful worlds—media and public policy—over the past 25 years. In a heartfelt statement, she described her comeback as a return to a story that “redefined Indian television and reshaped my own life.” She emphasized that Kyunki gave her more than commercial success; it forged an emotional connection with millions, making Tulsi a “daughter, mother, and friend” to viewers.
The first look of Irani as Tulsi, released on July 6, 2025, captures the essence of the character that made her a star. Clad in a maroon saree with golden zari, a red bindi, traditional temple jewelry, and a black-beaded mangalsutra, Irani’s Tulsi is a throwback to the early 2000s, evoking the same elegance and strength that defined the original series. The image, shared by Star Plus and JioHotstar, went viral within hours, with fans flooding social media with reactions like “Childhood is officially returning” and “Tulsi is back!” The promo, featuring a family reminiscing about the show before cutting to Tulsi watering a sacred tulsi plant, further amplified the nostalgia, promising a blend of old-world charm and fresh storytelling.
Irani’s decision to return to acting after a 15-year hiatus is significant. In a conversation at Barkha Dutt’s We The Women event, she revealed that a reboot was planned in 2014, but her political commitments, including a call from a Cabinet Minister urging her to prioritize public service, led her to step away. Her choice to reprise Tulsi now reflects her belief in the power of storytelling to “spark change, preserve culture, and build empathy.” For Irani, this is not merely a nostalgic revival but a purposeful endeavor to honor Kyunki’s legacy while contributing to the evolution of India’s creative industries.
The Reboot: Nostalgia Meets Modernity
The Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi reboot, subtitled Tulsi Ka Safar for its JioHotstar release, is set to premiere on July 29, 2025, at 10:30 PM on Star Plus, with streaming available on JioCinema. Unlike the original, which spanned thousands of episodes, this season is a limited series of approximately 150 episodes, designed to appeal to both loyal fans and a new generation. While plot details remain under wraps, producers have promised a fresh storyline that retains the emotional core of the original—family, tradition, and resilience.
The return of key cast members adds to the anticipation. Amar Upadhyay reprises his role as Mihir Virani, the character whose on-screen chemistry with Tulsi captivated audiences. Upadhyay, speaking to photographers on the first day of shooting, described the experience as “flipping through an old photo album,” hinting at the emotional weight of revisiting a role that defined his career. Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan, who played Karan and Nandini, are also rumored to return, alongside other original cast members like Apara Mehta as Savita Virani. Ekta Kapoor, the visionary behind the show, has emphasized her commitment to perfection, with reports indicating a slight delay in production to rework the set’s color scheme for optimal visuals.
The reboot’s timing is poignant, coinciding with the show’s 25th anniversary. Irani marked the milestone with an Instagram post, writing, “25 years ago, a story entered Indian homes and quietly became part of countless lives. Kyunki wasn’t just a show—it was emotion, memory, ritual.” Her words resonate with fans who associate the show with shared family moments, a time when television was a communal experience. Social media reactions reflect this sentiment, with one X user noting, “Har ghar pe raaj hoga @ektarkapoor ka,” while another thanked the makers for “bringing our childhood nostalgia back.”
Challenges and Controversies
The reboot’s announcement has not been without hiccups. Reports surfaced of a brief tension between Smriti Irani and Ekta Kapoor, with the latter refuting claims of delays and later deleting her post. While the issue appears resolved, it underscores the high stakes of reviving a cultural touchstone. Additionally, some netizens have woven political undertones into Irani’s return, with one X post suggesting that her lack of a prominent role in the BJP prompted her comeback to acting. Such comments, however, remain speculative and unverified, overshadowed by the overwhelming excitement for Tulsi’s return.
The reboot also faces the challenge of appealing to a modern audience accustomed to fast-paced OTT content. While the original thrived in an era without social media, today’s viewers demand nuanced storytelling and high production values. By opting for a limited series format and leveraging JioHotstar’s streaming platform, the makers aim to bridge this gap, offering a nostalgic yet contemporary experience. The inclusion of the original cast ensures familiarity, but the success of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 will hinge on its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots.
A Cultural Moment in the Making
The return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is more than a television reboot—it’s a cultural moment that taps into the collective memory of a nation. For older fans, it’s a chance to relive the golden era of Indian soap operas, when Tulsi Virani was as real as a family member. For younger viewers, it’s an opportunity to discover a story that shaped their parents’ viewing habits. Smriti Irani’s return as Tulsi is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, where a single character can transcend time and medium to remain relevant.
As the premiere date approaches, the buzz around Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 continues to grow. With its promise of nostalgia, emotional depth, and a stellar cast, the reboot is poised to reclaim its place in Indian homes. For Smriti Irani, this is not just a role but a legacy—one that continues to inspire, unite, and remind us why Tulsi Virani remains India’s favorite bahu.
