The buzz around the return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is growing louder as the iconic show gears up for its big premiere on June 29 at 10:30 PM. After more than two decades, the television classic is back, and fans are excited to see Smriti Irani step once again into a role that defined an era.
Smriti Irani, who first rose to fame with her portrayal of Tulsi Virani, recently shared her memories of the show and what it meant to her. Speaking to HT City, she reflected on how deeply involved she was with the project, even 25 years ago. The show ran for eight long years, but for her, it was more than a job, it was something she was emotionally invested in.
Irani explained that her decision to return to television wasn’t random. It was the story that brought her back. The narrative, crafted by producer Ektaa Kapoor, still had that strength and spark that first attracted her to the show in the early 2000s. She was clear that the depth and social relevance of the content mattered to her more than anything else.
The actress opened up about how times have changed, especially for women in the entertainment industry. She said the real challenge today isn’t just screen time but issues like fair pay and decent working conditions. She pointed out how Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi was already addressing such matters back then through its storyline.
Smriti recalled how, during the original run of the show, she had two children. Yet, her role as Tulsi never paused. She shared that the production team made sure she was supported during her pregnancies. They even went as far as to calculate how long it would take to get her from the hospital to the shooting set, in case of emergencies.
She remembered, “It didn’t matter what my gender was. What mattered for her production company is what do you deliver as an actor. What is the hallmark of your talent? You will get paid accordingly.”
Ektaa Kapoor also shared her admiration for Smriti’s dedication. She recalled a moment that left a lasting impression on the team. She mentioned, “She is the only I think, who came on the set, two days after the baby, because she knew that the telecast had to be met with and Kyunki couldn’t happen without her.”
Smriti herself called it a passion project. She reflected on how, at the time, no one would question that kind of commitment. But in today’s world, such a decision might raise eyebrows. “If you ask any woman today to show up to work two days after giving birth, they would think ‘You are out of your mind’.”
She also spoke about how the focus of the show was never on ratings, at least for her. While people around her discussed TRPs, her attention remained fixed on the script. She said that the excitement was always about what the writer had come up with and how it could be brought to life on screen.
As the countdown continues for the much-awaited premiere, there is a wave of nostalgia and respect for the work that shaped the early days of Indian television drama. With Smriti Irani returning and Ektaa Kapoor once again at the helm, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi promises not just a throwback, but a renewed connection with the audience with one rooted in powerful storytelling and enduring characters.
