If you rewind back to the early 2000s and step into any Indian household during dinnertime, one thing would almost always be the same — the iconic title track of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi playing in the background, as the family gathered around the TV to enjoy dinner, and bond over stories.
And now, it’s time to relive those golden moments as everyone’s favourite tv show is making its much-awaited return.
Yes, you read that right! The first promo of the iconic show’s sequel is out, and fans can’t stop gushing over it.
More interestingly, Smriti Irani is all set to return to Indian television as Tulsi Virani. After making her mark in politics, she’s ready to reclaim her original throne in the television world. This comeback has given fans of the legendary TV series a big reason to celebrate.
After 25 years, the beloved show that ruled every living room for nearly a decade is back. Here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to know:
The Legacy of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi first aired in July 2000 and continued for eight years with 1,833 episodes, making it one of the longest-running series on Star Plus. Produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor under Balaji Telefilms, the show revolved around Tulsi, an ideal daughter-in-law, married to Mihir, grandson of business tycoon Govardhan Virani.
It was the most successful serial of its time, topping the TRP charts for seven straight years and peaking at 22.4 in May 2001, despite a late-night 10:30 PM slot. Moreover, the series bagged five consecutive Best Serial-Popular awards at ITA and six at the Indian Telly Awards.
Notably, its cultural impact was undeniable too. In January 2001, despite the Gujarat earthquake, people tuned in to watch the show. In 2003, The Times of India reported how families in Kolkata were recreating its iconic sets in their homes. Clearly, the show has had a huge impact on our lives.
Return of the Original Cast
Audiences cherished the memorable cast of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi the most. And the best news? Many familiar faces are returning. Along with Smriti Irani, Amar Upadhyay (Mihir Virani), Hiten Tejwani (Karan Virani), and Gauri Pradhan (Nandini Virani) are all set to reprise their roles.
What could be better than the original cast returning to recreate the magic? Their reunion makes the comeback even more special. Fans are thrilled to see their favourites again.
Newly Released Promo
On July 3, the show marked 25 years of its iconic run. The team planned to release the promo on the same day. However, unforeseen delays forced them to postpone it, which disappointed the fans. But, it wasn’t for long. The promo was finally posted on July 7 in the most heartfelt way possible.
In the video, a family reminisces the old days and debates whether their beloved Tulsi will ever return. Later, Smriti Irani herself makes an appearance and answers their doubts and confirms her return.
The show is set to premiere from July 29, at its original time — 10:30 PM.
Ekta Kapoor on Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’s return
Recently, Ekta Kapoor shared an Instagram post to reason out the show’s return. Through a writeup titled “Why Kyuki, Why Now?”, she revealed that when this idea of relaunching the show surfaced, her first reaction was a “firm no”. She believed that one can never compete with the nostalgia.
Further, she stated how the television space has changed over all these years. From being dependent on 9 cities, to now consuming content in fragments, across various platforms.
But then, she also couldn’t overlook the impact of the show. That it wasn’t just about numbers or TRP. The show had given voice to women in Indian homes. Women started participating in family discussions — a shift that was influenced by television, especially Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki. The show had brought discussions about domestic violence, marital rape, age shaming and euthanasia to the Indian households.
So, when the show’s return was being discussed, Ekta considered whether the show can once again focus on such issues and be about impactful stories, rather than just TRPs. From parenting to control, she wanted to talk about the issues that today’s television shies away from. She wanted to tell a story that not only resonates with the audience but also educates and entertains in equal measure.
After asking herself all these questions, Ekta didn’t hesitate to give a nod, marking yet another defining moment in her career.
What’s Changed?
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, as aforementioned, was one of the longest running shows in the Indian television. But here’s the twist. The show is indeed coming back, but this time, with limited episodes.
With the intent to not just entertain, but to inspire, provoke thought and spark change among citizens, the show aims to give a voice to the unheard and drive societal transformation.
Kyuki… The Legacy Lives On
In an era of fleeting content and instant trends, the return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is a revival of emotions, values and memories that shaped a generation. As the original cast steps back into the roles that once felt like home, the audience, both new and old, are invited to relive the magic.
Because some stories never truly end, they just wait for the right moment to return.
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