Mumbai: The iconic television drama Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is making a comeback with Smriti Irani returning to the screen as Tulsi Virani, more than two decades after the original series first aired. The first look of Irani in her trademark role was released today, instantly evoking nostalgia among fans of the long-running family saga.
Draped in a maroon saree, adorned with heavy jewellery, a traditional red bindi, and mangalsutra, Irani’s revived look closely resembles the original appearance that turned her into a household name in Indian television. The visuals have reignited memories of the early 2000s, when the show ruled prime time and contributed significantly to the rise of daily soap culture in India.
Check out her comeback look:
Originally aired from 2000 to 2008, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi ran for 1,833 episodes and was one of the most-watched shows on Indian television. It propelled Smriti Irani into stardom and later into politics. The revival marks her return to acting after a long hiatus during which she served as a Union Minister in the central government.
Actor Amar Upadhyay, who played Tulsi’s husband Mihir Virani, is also part of the reboot. Sharing his experience on the first day of the shoot, Upadhyay said, “Fantastic. First day, first scene hua. Mazza aa gaya. Purani yaadein taaza ho gayi.” He confirmed that shooting began on July 4 after a brief delay from its initially planned July 3 premiere, which would have marked the 25th anniversary of the original show.
Producer Ekta Kapoor has conceptualised the new edition as a limited series with 150 episodes, aimed at catering to both long-time fans and newer digital-age viewers. The show will stream on JioCinema’s digital platform and not on Star Plus, where it originally aired.
Smriti Irani revealed that she had declined an earlier proposal to return to the show in 2014, citing her responsibilities in Parliament at the time. Now returning in a special capacity, she acknowledged the show’s lasting impact, stating in a recent interview, “Kyunki isn’t just a show—it’s a shared memory. It still lives in our hearts.”
Industry sources suggest that Irani, who was reportedly paid ₹8,000 a day during the original run, is now commanding a fee of ₹14 lakh per day for her return, reflecting both her stature in the entertainment industry and her prominence in public life.
The reboot is expected to blend the emotional appeal and familial conflicts that made the original a success, while adapting to contemporary themes and production styles.
With Irani’s re-entry as Tulsi Virani, the show’s return signals not just a revival of a cult classic, but also an era-defining moment for Indian television’s evolving narrative landscape.