Latest news with #Virani
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, Shakti Anand return to sets; call it ‘deja vu'
After announcing the return of Smriti Irani to television with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, the makers have now shared a behind-the-scenes clip from the show's shoot, introducing other cast members returning to the daily soap. The video captures the cast experiencing a mix of nostalgia and excitement as they return to the show nearly 17 years after it first aired. The clip features popular TV couple Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan — who also play husband and wife on the show—talking about their return to the series. They share that it feels as though the show never ended and they've simply picked up from where they left off. Actor Shakti Anand, who made his acting debut with the original series, described the experience as 'deja vu.' Actors Kamalika Guha Thakurta and Ketaki Dave also expressed their happiness about being back. Ketaki additionally revealed that the first episode of the reboot will premiere on July 29 at 10:30 pm. A post shared by StarPlus (@starplus) Earlier, the makers had unveiled a promo for Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 featuring Smriti Irani walking through the iconic Virani house in Shanti Niketan. In the video, she reflected on the memories she created there as a mother, wife, and daughter-in-law. Smriti Irani, who left television years ago to pursue a career in politics, took to Instagram to announce her return to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi that made her a household name. She wrote, '25 years ago, a story entered Indian homes and quietly became part of countless lives. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn't just a show—it was emotion, memory, ritual. A time when families paused everything to sit together… cry, laugh, hope. To every viewer who made Tulsi a part of their own family, thank you. This journey wasn't mine alone. It was ours. And it always will be.' In addition to the returning cast, six new actors have reportedly joined the reboot: Rohit Suchanti, Shagun Sharma, Aman Gandhi, Tanisha Mehta, Ankit Bhatia, and Prachi Singh.
India Today
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Tulsi's return is good news for all. Kyunki saas bhi kabhi viewer thi
Every night at 10.30 pm, the camera would glide over the grand Virani household, the mansion's golden-hued walls, the women's rustling silk sarees, and, at the centre of it all, with folded hands, Tulsi Virani. Calm, composed, draped in a crisp sari, she stood like a strong compass in a choppy sea of family drama. Would she forgive Mihir again? Expose Payal's latest plan? Banish a scheming bahu with nothing but quiet conviction? Viewers across the country paused their own lives to find was Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, not just a TV show, but a nightly ritual that ran from July 3, 2000, to November 6, 2008, across 1,833 episodes. And now, after years of silence, Tulsi, played by Smriti Irani, is returning, and it is good news for what Kyunki offered hasn't really been replaced. There's a big content gap. Love it or hate it, Kyunki had a massive fan following. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi ran for over eight years because it made an emotional investment. Characters were familiar, conflicts were constant but rooted in family, and it gave women, especially homemakers of the time, a sense of visibility and is not to say that Kyunki and the other K-serials of that time weren't steeped in traditional, often rigid, family structures, ones that rarely gave women the room to simply be, let alone grow. More often than not, they reinforced the idea that a woman's worth lay in her sacrifice, her ability to KAPOOR ON KYUNKI SAAS BHI KABHI BAHU THI REBOOTKyunki 2 will have to reckon with that legacy for the older viewers, and update itself for a new Kapoor, the maker of the show, hinted at that when she answered the issue of why Kyunki was returning."Kyunki' is coming back... with an intent to impact, entertain, probe thoughts and, most importantly, to inspire," wrote shift to thrillers, reality TV, and youth-driven plots left behind a massive audience that never really left; they were just overlooked. Tulsi's return could work if it honours that memory while speaking to today's world. The saas-bahu dynamic hasn't disappeared, it's just changed need for family drama still runs deep. Loyalty, betrayal, forgiveness: these themes still work. Viewers moved to YouTube, Pakistani and Turkish shows, and reruns. A Kyunki comeback isn't just nostalgia, it's meeting the demand of a content-starved KYUNKI AND TULSI WORKED FOR INDIAN VIEWERSKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi worked because it hit Indian television like a cultural thunderstorm, just when the country was ripe for in 2000, the show arrived at a moment of deep social and economic had opened up its economy, cable TV had exploded into middle-class homes, and women were becoming a more visible part of public life. Yet inside those homes, traditional values still held offered the perfect blend: a modern format wrapped in a conservative, family-first Irani's Tulsi wasn't just a daughter-in-law; her upper-class life was both aspirational and relatable for K-serials followed suit, riding the same wave of emotionally charged family Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki explored the quiet strength of Parvati, the ideal daughter-in-law navigating a joint family's power struggles, Kasautii Zindagii Kay turned love and sacrifice into destiny's favourite WAS UNDERGOING A K-MOVIES ERA OF ITS OWNKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi came after Hindi movies based on joint families like Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1995) and Hum Saath Saath Hai (1998) became Star Plus transitioned to a Hindi channel in 2000, it needed a superhit serial, and followed the Bollywood came that year on Star Plus. The others followed entered its "K" era too. Karan Johar's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), with its designer sarees and grand family feuds, shared the same emotional and K-films of that time pushed one big idea: no matter the conflict, the great Indian family comes Indian family still remains there, while shows, even one titled Family Man, lack the family and its bitter-sweet storytelling was over the top, but its questions were happens when ambition enters an arranged marriage, when a daughter-in-law chooses conviction over quiet? It mirrored women caught between tradition and OF INDIAN VIEWERS SWITCHED TO PAK, TURKISH SHOWSYears later, Anupamaa (2020) picked up where the K-serials had left. She wasn't Tulsi. She was a homemaker who didn't ask for respect until life forced her to. But like Kyunki, she put a middle-aged woman's emotional world back at the centre of primetime. The daughters-in-law who once saw Tulsi now saw themselves in Anupamaa, overworked, overlooked, and finally finding a works and is a top-charter because it trusts its audience. Its domination of the charts shows that there is a demand for family Kasautii Zindagii Kay reboot missed that mark. Sleeker, shinier, but not quite there. The original had ache, love tangled in sacrifice and fate. The reboot had surface, but lacked Indian TV drifted into noise, background scores, serpents, and endless plots, viewers switched dramas like Humsafar or Zindagi Gulzar Hai brought back intimacy, moral grey, and silence that meant dramas offered scale, lush visuals, strong arcs, and a world where faith, loyalty, and family still held ground."I said let's do this! Let's create a show that's not afraid to raise important questions, that sparks conversations, and stands out in a time dominated by visual gimmicks," wrote Ekta Irani as Tulsi in Kyunki might become a magnet and help in the diversification of the bouquets being offered by the Indian content TELEVISION TO SMARTPHONE: DID KYUNKI EVER LEAVE?And Kyunki hasn't vanished. It lives on in memes, reels, and pop-culture strength, Baa's blessings, Mihir's resurrections, now nostalgic jokes even Gen Z knows "Mihir mar gaya" are internet a reboot hold both reverence and ridicule?But then, she won't return to the living room. Her resurrection will be on millions of content habits have shifted. With cheap data and rising digital access in Tier-2 and -3 cities, the small screen now fits in your the new Kyunki stream on YouTube? Drop weekly on Hotstar? Air on TV? Will Gen Z watch it ironically, or sincerely?advertisementKYUNKI THIS MIGHT HELP SMRITI IRANI RECONNECTBefore she made her mark as a politician and became a Lok Sabha MP, Kyunki was the biggest thing that happened to Smriti fought hard and beat Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in the Nehru-Gandhi bastion of Amethi. She went on to become a Union minister. Smriti Irani is no longer an MP but is a senior BJP leader and part of several important government there is also a part of Irani that extends beyond politics, and she might find Kyunki useful in reconnecting with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma uses the guitar. Late Congress leader and Union minister Ajit Kumar Panja used the stage to SAAS BHI KABHI BAHU THI: LIMITED SERIES, UNLIMITED IMPACT?An active politician, Smriti Irani cannot devote all the time to shoots. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is, therefore, returning as a limited there will also be the undeniable shadow of her political journey on have seen her evolve from a righteous bahu to a Union Cabinet minister. Will she be a more assertive protagonist or a more softened return to emotional storytelling?Tulsi had an imprint on Irani, at least during her initial years as a politician. The politician might leave an imprint on Tulsi the makers get it right, Tulsi might just become timeless. After all, Kyunki's broadcaster, Star Plus, says, "Rishta wahi, soch nayi" (the relationship stays the same, but the thinking evolves). And the return of Kyunki and Tulsi Virani might be a good news for all.- EndsMust Watch
India Today
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kyunki...turns 25: Smriti Irani, Amar Upadhayay, Ektaa Kapoor get nostalgic
Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay's popular show 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' turned 25 today, July 3. Conceptualised by Ekta Kapoor, the show not only ruled TRP charts but also redefined primetime television, making the 'saasbahu' drama a cultural phenomenon. On this special occasion, Smriti Irani, Amar Upadhyay, and Ektaa Kapoor share heartfelt reflections on a show that shaped their journeys and transformed Indian on 25 glorious years, Smriti Irani said, "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi isn't just a show, it's a shared memory. For those who created it and the millions who embraced it, it was a story of families, faith, and the fabric that binds us across generations. Twenty-five years later, it still lives in our hearts. My gratitude to those who made the journey possible."Ektaa Kapoor also shared the happiness and said, "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi still lives in every beat of my heart. When we started, we never imagined Tulsi would become family to millions. Even today, people remember the title track, the tears, and the emotions it sparked. This milestone belongs to every writer, actor, crew member, and most of all every viewer who made Kyunki part of their lives. Thank you for turning a story into a legacy, for making Tulsi and the Virani parivaar your own, and for keeping this emotion alive even 25 years later. We didn't just make a show we created a bond that still feels like home." advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by EktaaRkapoor (@ektarkapoor) Amar Upadhyay expressed, "Twenty-five years ago, we began a journey that was more than just a show it was a mirror to millions of households, a reflection of traditions, love, trials, and the changing face of Indian families. Being a part of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn't just a role it was a responsibility, a privilege, and a turning point not just for me, but for everyone who lived and breathed this world with us. It changed our lives, rewrote television history, and connected generations. Even today, its echoes live on in how we see relationships, resilience, and reinvention."He further added, "Kyunki... some stories aren't just watched, they are lived. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn't just a show it was an era. A movement. A mirror to Indian families. And being Mihir meant becoming a part of people's daily routines, their emotions, their dinner conversations. Even today, when someone calls me 'Mihir,' there's a warmth and familiarity in it like a long-lost family member greeting you after years. That's the kind of love you can't manufacture it can only be lived."With unforgettable characters, powerful emotions, and twists that became national talking points, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi became more than just a daily soap it became a ritual. Under Ekta Kapoor's leadership, Balaji Telefilms redefined storytelling and connected with millions across the country. As nostalgia takes over and memories of Shantiniketan resurface, whispers of the show's return grow stronger. But will the entire Virani family be back? That question remains a as one of the most successful shows on Indian television, the show revolved around the ideal daughter-in-law Tulsi Virani (played by Smriti Irani), her relationship with her husband Mihir Virani (played by Amar Upadhyay) and their kids. The show aired from 2000 to 2008 on television and remained number 1 on the ratings charts for seven years.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi turns 25: Ekta Kapoor, Smriti Irani, and Amar Upadhyay share memories of the timeless legacy
S ome stories don't just entertain, they become a part of our homes, hearts, and everyday lives. Exactly 25 years ago, India met the Virani family, and television changed forever. Today marks a milestone as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, the iconic Balaji Telefilms show, completes 25 glorious years since its premiere on July 3, 2000. Conceptualised by Ekta Kapoor , the show not only ruled TRP charts but also redefined prime-time television, making the 'saas-bahu' drama a cultural phenomenon. On this special occasion, Smriti Irani , Amar Upadhyay , and Ekta Kapoor share heartfelt reflections on a show that shaped their journeys and transformed Indian television. Reflecting on 25 glorious years, Smriti Irani said, "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi isn't just a show — it's a shared memory. For those who created it and the millions who embraced it, it was a story of families, faith, and the fabric that binds us across generations. Twenty-five years later, it still lives in our hearts. My gratitude to those who made the journey possible." Ekta Kapoor shared, "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi still lives in every beat of my heart. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elevate Business Writing With This Desktop App Grammarly Learn More Undo When we started, we never imagined Tulsi would become family to millions. Even today, people remember the title track, the tears, and the emotions it sparked. This milestone belongs to every writer, actor, crew member, and — most of all — every viewer who made Kyunki part of their lives. Thank you for turning a story into a legacy, for making Tulsi and the Virani parivaar your own, and for keeping this emotion alive even 25 years later. We didn't just make a show — we created a bond that still feels like home." Amar Upadhyay expressed, "Twenty-five years ago, we began a journey that was more than just a show — it was a mirror to millions of households, a reflection of traditions, love, trials, and the changing face of Indian families. Being a part of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn't just a role — it was a responsibility, a privilege, and a turning point not just for me, but for everyone who lived and breathed this world with us. It changed our lives, rewrote television history, and connected generations. Even today, its echoes live on in how we see relationships, resilience, and reinvention." He further added, "Kyunki... some stories aren't just watched, they are lived. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn't just a show — it was an era. A movement. A mirror to Indian families. And being Mihir meant becoming a part of people's daily routines, their emotions, their dinner conversations. Even today, when someone calls me 'Mihir,' there's a warmth and familiarity in it — like a long-lost family member greeting you after years. That's the kind of love you can't manufacture — it can only be lived." With unforgettable characters, powerful emotions, and twists that became national talking points, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi became more than just a daily soap — it became a ritual. As nostalgia takes over and memories of Shantiniketan resurface, whispers of the show's return grow stronger. But will the entire Virani family be back? That question remains a mystery.
News18
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Turns 25: Smriti Irani, Ekta Kapoor And Amar UpadhyayTalk About The Iconic Show
Last Updated: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, the iconic Balaji Telefilms show, celebrates 25 years since its July 3, 2000 premiere. Conceptualised by Ekta Kapoor, it redefined prime-time TV. Reflecting on 25 years, Smriti Irani said, 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi isn't just a show — it's a shared memory. For those who created it and the millions who embraced it, it was a story of families, faith, and the fabric that binds us across generations. Twenty-five years later, it still lives in our hearts. My gratitude to those who made the journey possible." Ekta Kapoor shared, 'The show still lives in every beat of my heart. When we started, we never imagined Tulsi would become family to millions. Even today, people remember the title track, the tears, and the emotions it sparked. This milestone belongs to every writer, actor, crew member, and — most of all — every viewer who made Kyunki part of their lives. Thank you for turning a story into a legacy, for making Tulsi and the Virani parivaar your own, and for keeping this emotion alive even 25 years later. We didn't just make a show — we created a bond that still feels like home." Amar Upadhyay expressed, 'Twenty-five years ago, we began a journey that was more than just a show — it was a mirror to millions of households, a reflection of traditions, love, trials, and the changing face of Indian families. Being a part of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn't just a role — it was a responsibility, a privilege, and a turning point not just for me, but for everyone who lived and breathed this world with us. It changed our lives, rewrote television history, and connected generations. Even today, its echoes live on in how we see relationships, resilience, and reinvention." He further added, 'Kyunki… some stories aren't just watched, they are lived. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn't just a show — it was an era. A movement. A mirror to Indian families. And being Mihir meant becoming a part of people's daily routines, their emotions, their dinner conversations. Even today, when someone calls me 'Mihir,' there's a warmth and familiarity in it — like a long-lost family member greeting you after years. That's the kind of love you can't manufacture — it can only be lived." Created by Ekta Kapoor and produced by Balaji Telefilms, the show was a major success and helped shape the trend of family dramas on Indian TV. First Published:
