‘None Of Us Had A House Or Car’: Smriti Irani On How 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' Transformed The Team’s Lives

Smriti Irani returns as Tulsi Virani in "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2" after 12 years. The sequel, premiering July 29th, revives the iconic show that redefined Indian television.

Smriti Irani returns as Tulsi Virani in "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2" after 12 years.

Source : Instagram

Actor-politician Smriti Irani is set to make a grand return to television after a 12-year hiatus, reprising her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. The beloved daily soap, which originally aired 25 years ago and became a cultural phenomenon, is making its comeback with a mix of familiar faces and new additions to the cast.

Smriti on How Kyunki Redefined Television

Reflecting on the journey of the show in a conversation with AajTak, Smriti shared how Kyunki changed the landscape of Indian television.

“From 2000 to 2008, our team redefined television in a completely new way. Back then, no one used to watch TV at 10:30 p.m. Women producing television series wasn’t common, and it was also rare for female actors to be the central narrators and the core focus of any show. Establishing all these things was a landmark in itself, a unique chapter of our lives,” she said.

The show, which aired in the 10:30 pm slot — traditionally a low-viewership time — broke norms with its women-centric narrative and storytelling, going on to become a household staple.

‘We All Laid the Financial Foundation of Our Lives Through Kyunki

Smriti also recalled how the long-running success of the show helped transform the lives of its cast and crew.

“I still remember when we first started working on the show; we were about 120–150 people. None of us owned a house or a car. We all laid the financial foundation of our lives through Kyunki. People may watch us on screen, but many don’t realise how many households keep their stoves burning simply because someone switches on the television,” she said.

The Nostalgia-Packed Teaser

Earlier this month, the makers unveiled a teaser for Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, featuring Smriti Irani as Tulsi taking viewers on a nostalgic walk through the iconic Virani house in Shanti Niketan, reviving memories from the original series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cast and Premiere Details

Alongside Smriti Irani, the sequel will bring back Amar Upadhyay as Mihir Virani, Hiten Tejwani as Karan Virani, and Gauri Pradhan as Nandini Virani. Joining them are Rohit Suchanti, Shagun Sharma, and Aman Gandhi in new roles.

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 is scheduled to premiere on July 29 at 10:30 pm, retaining its original time slot.