18 years of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: Ekta Kapoor, Smriti Irani, Hiten Tejwani get nostalgic!

"Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi", which began on this day 18 years ago, changed life for producer Ekta Kapoor and for actress Smriti Irani, who is now a Union Minister. The cult TV show which was on top of all the 'saas-bahu' dramas on TV, ruled the small screen for more than eight years after starting on July 3, 2000. It told the story of Tulsi Virani, essayed effortlessly by Smriti, who set out to be the ideal daughter-in-law, wading through the trials and tribulations of living in a huge joint family. Smriti Irani’s caption for Shah Rukh Khan and hubby Zubin Hirani’s picture is winning the internet On social media, Ekta penned a message as she shared an old photograph of herself with Smriti, with whom she continues to share a bond of friendship. Ekta, who spearheads Balaji Telefilms, wrote: "18 years ago this day Star Plus and Sameer Nair changed my life, and a star unimaginable from a relatively new medium was born - Smriti Irani. Thank you Ronit Bose Roy, Shobha Kapoor, Rajesh Joshi and all who made this show."

18 years ago this day @starplus and @sameern changed my life ! N a star unimaginable from a relatively new medium was born @smritiiraniofficial ! Thanku @ronitboseroy @shobha9168 @rajeshjoshi n all who made this show #18yearsofkyunkiandkbc #18yearsofkyunkisaasbhikabhibahuthi

A post shared by Ekta❤️myVEERES (@ektaravikapoor) on Jul 3, 2018 at 1:27am PDT

Smriti thanked Ekta and even her fans in a post. "18 years ago began a journey that changed my life forever, Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor you believed in me when no one wanted to take a chance. Fans and friends thank you for the support and blessings," she wrote.

18 years ago began a journey that changed my life forever @ektaravikapoor @shobha9168 you believed in me when no one wanted to take a chance #ksbkbt fans & friends thank you for the support & blessings 🙏❤️

A post shared by Smriti Irani (@smritiiraniofficial) on Jul 3, 2018 at 1:36am PDT

Actor Hiten Tejwani, who played the role of Tulsi's son Karan Virani too shared a throwback video from his 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' role with then reen and now real wife Gauri Pradhan:

Our most favourite characters #karan and #nandini ...what a journey ..#18yearsofkyunkisaasbhikabhibahuthi..Thank u all who were part of this journey ..including my fans ..Thank u @ektaravikapoor @shobha9168 @starplus ..#rajubhai #rekhaji#lifeofht #hitentejwani

A post shared by hitentejwani (@hitentejwani) on Jul 3, 2018 at 3:01am PDT