Mumbai: Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist, Bill Gates is all set to make his Hindi serial debut alongside Smriti Irani in the most loved sitcom, ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2’.
Expressing her excitement over having Gates on the show, Smriti told CNBC-TV18, “This is a historic moment in Indian entertainment. To bring together one of the world’s most respected global voices with one of Indian television’s most influential storytellers is more than a collaboration — it is the start of a Jan Andolan, a people’s movement rooted in awareness, empathy, and action.”
The segment with Gates’ cameo is expected to span three episodes and will be focused on raising awareness about maternal and newborn health, subjects on which the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation actively works on.
“For far too long, women and children’s health have remained on the margins of mainstream dialogue. This initiative is a powerful step towards changing that,” the former Minister for Women and Child Development said.
In the special segment, the Microsoft co-founder will be seen holding a conversation with Tulsi Virani via video call. “The track will culminate in a video call between businessman and philanthropist Bill Gates and Smriti Irani [who plays Tulsi Virani] and will span around three episodes,” a source was quoted as saying by ETimes.
Smriti has been addressing several crucial issues such as ageing and body shaming to sensitive real-life crimes such as false domestic violence allegations through her on-screen persona.
While highlighting the importance of integrating social issues into the show, Smriti told earlier Mumbai Mirror, “We took up the issue of ageing and body shaming because these are fundamental challenges women deal with every day. For me, as someone who has been part of the creative industry, it was important to highlight them. When we did Kyunki, we did not only address issues of body shaming and ageing, but also dealt with challenges that men face.”
“For instance, if a false case is filed, can women stand up for such men? That is not something you would normally expect in a television show or film, as people often say we are not progressive enough. The fact that such progressive elements are now accepted not only on TV but also on OTT platforms speaks volumes. We have truly entered an era of fearlessness,” she added.