Smriti Irani is all set to make her return to Indian television after a gap of 12 years. Her much-awaited comeback will happen with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2, the reboot of one of India’s most iconic daily soaps. The show, which is scheduled to premiere on 29 July 2025 at 10:30 pm on Star Plus, will bring back the familiar characters and emotions that once ruled the hearts of millions. Smriti will step back into the role of Tulsi Virani, a character that not only defined her career but also changed the dynamics of Indian television.
In a recent conversation, Smriti Irani opened up about what the original show meant to her and to the entire cast. She shared how Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi didn’t just give her fame—it gave her stability. The years from 2000 to 2008, when the show originally aired, were life-changing for many involved in the project. According to Smriti, the series laid the financial and professional groundwork for the entire team.
The Beginning: A Late-Night Slot That Made History
When Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi first went on air in 2000, it was slotted for 10:30 pm. At the time, this was considered an off-peak timing. Most networks avoided launching big serials in that time window. Yet, what followed was something that redefined how India watched television. The show became a phenomenon. Smriti explained that, back then, female-led shows were rare, and women producers were even rarer. To have a female actor as the central narrator was revolutionary. The show not only challenged industry norms but created new ones.
She recalled that no one expected a serial airing that late at night to perform so well. But Kyunki shattered assumptions. It changed television viewership patterns, especially for homemakers who began planning their evenings around the serial. The character of Tulsi Virani became a cultural symbol, and Smriti Irani found herself embedded in India’s daily routine.
Smriti Irani’s Honest Take on Life Before the Show’s Success
Smriti shared that before the show began, most of the cast and crew were struggling financially. At that time, the team had between 120 and 150 members, and none of them owned a house or a car. The success of the show brought stability. She emphasized that people often only see the glamour of screen life, but behind every scene are lives that depend on each broadcast.
In her words, Kyunki helped everyone build a foundation for their future. Families of technicians, actors, and staff benefited directly from the show’s popularity. The audience never saw those behind-the-scenes realities, but every person involved with the production found a sense of security through the work.
Women Leading From the Front in a Male-Dominated Industry
Smriti also pointed out how groundbreaking the show was in another respect. It was rare at the time to find television content produced by women, let alone centered around a female character. The show was a platform where women had control of the narrative, and it resonated with audiences across the country. Irani’s portrayal of Tulsi, a strong, morally upright woman navigating family politics, struck a deep emotional chord.
Tulsi was not a passive character. She made decisions, confronted injustice, and guided her family. Through her character, the series offered a fresh narrative of female strength in Indian households. That portrayal was both aspirational and relatable, which contributed significantly to the show’s long-lasting appeal.
The Sequel: Nostalgia Blended With a New Generation
With the reboot titled Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2, fans will revisit Shanti Niketan and the Virani family. The original setting will be revived with attention to the details that once defined the show’s visual identity. The new teaser has already given fans a glimpse of the iconic home and the return of Tulsi.
The second season will feature many of the original cast members. Amar Upadhyay will reprise his role as Mihir Virani. Hiten Tejwani will return as Karan Virani, and Gauri Pradhan will be back as Nandini. These familiar faces will be joined by new actors such as Rohit Suchanti, Shagun Sharma, and Aman Gandhi, who will play younger family members. The show promises to blend old memories with fresh narratives suited for today’s audience.
A Platform That Created Stars and Changed the Industry
For Smriti Irani, the show was more than just a role. It was a launchpad for her transition into public life. After Kyunki, she gradually moved into politics, eventually becoming a Member of Parliament and then a Union Minister. Yet, even in politics, she was often identified as Tulsi by the public. Her influence extended far beyond the television screen.
Her journey from Tulsi to one of India’s most visible political leaders was remarkable. However, Smriti never denied the impact that the show had on her personal and professional life. In fact, she embraced it. The show didn’t just give her visibility—it gave her voice.
Audiences Still Connect With the Values the Show Represented
Even today, reruns of the original series find viewership online and on television. The values portrayed in the show—family unity, moral dilemmas, loyalty, and sacrifice—still hold relevance. Smriti mentioned that people remember not just the storyline, but the emotions tied to each episode. Viewers grew up with Tulsi, Mihir, and the entire Virani household. The show’s longevity was due to its storytelling, not just its glamour.
The show’s influence went beyond entertainment. It started conversations in households about respect, tradition, and justice. Many viewers say they felt guided by Tulsi’s character during their personal struggles. That deep-rooted emotional connection is what sets this show apart from typical dramas.
Why This Comeback Matters in 2025
Television has changed significantly since 2008. Streaming platforms dominate the entertainment space now. Viewers have shorter attention spans, and content is consumed quickly. Yet, there is still a space for emotionally driven, family-oriented serials. The comeback of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi proves that classic storytelling is timeless.
Smriti Irani’s return is also symbolic. It shows that meaningful characters and strong writing can still draw an audience. It re-establishes faith in long-format fiction, especially when led by iconic actors. Her presence gives the show a level of trust and authenticity that few current serials enjoy.
The Cast’s Bond and Shared Growth Over the Years
What’s unique about this sequel is that many original cast members have grown together. They’ve seen each other rise from anonymity to stardom. Their return to the same show after so many years brings a real sense of continuity. It’s not just another reboot—it’s a reunion of lives shaped by shared experience.
Irani emphasized that the bond formed during the early years remains intact. These were not just colleagues, but a family that worked hard through long shifts and shared dreams. Their growth, both financially and professionally, is rooted in the original journey of Kyunki.
Smriti Irani comeback is more than a promotional moment—it’s a tribute to Indian television’s golden age. The success of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi represented the power of consistent storytelling. It was television at its most emotional, layered, and ambitious. The new season is expected to bring back that same flavor, with modern twists.
As the premiere approaches, fans await with anticipation. Whether they are watching to relive memories or to explore a new narrative, the audience base is strong. And Smriti Irani, once again as Tulsi Virani, is at the heart of it all.
