After 25 years, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi returns to the small screen with a modern twist and familiar faces. The legendary soap, which changed Indian television in the early 2000s, is back tonight with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. Amar Upadhyay reprises his iconic role as Mihir Virani, and Smriti Irani returns as Tulsi. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, Amar shared his reaction, on-set experiences, and what fans can expect from the much-awaited reboot.
A Surprise Call from Balaji Telefilms
Amar was completely caught off guard when the makers reached out to him for the sequel. He thought the call was a prank. “I thought Tanu was joking,” he recalled. There had been no prior buzz about a reboot, so when Tanu from Balaji asked to block his dates, he was stunned. The moment she mentioned Smriti Irani’s return as Tulsi, Amar’s disbelief doubled. He wondered how Smriti, now a Union Minister, could find time. “I didn’t believe her for the first five minutes,” he admitted.
The announcement holds weight not just for fans but also for the entire industry. Amar acknowledged, “Bringing it back is a big deal for Star Plus, Balaji, and all of us. It’s a big responsibility.” He reflected on the first season’s historic TRPs, saying, “It had a rating of 32; we had overtaken KBC in the first three months of release.”
Gen-Z Curiosity and Nostalgia Factor
The revival of Kyunki has sparked curiosity across generations. Amar shared that today’s youth are keen to discover what made the original so popular. They’ve heard stories from their parents and grandparents about the show’s legacy. The opening music and classic font of the title evoke nostalgia. According to Amar, even the smallest elements bring back strong memories.
Reunion with Smriti Irani After 25 Years
One of the biggest highlights of the sequel is Amar Upadhyay and Smriti Irani reuniting as Mihir and Tulsi. He described their on-screen chemistry as intact. “We lived as Mihir-Tulsi then, and we look superb together,” he said. Amar praised Smriti’s acting, personality, and screen presence. Despite the time gap, he said Smriti looked exactly like the woman he remembered. They picked up right where they left off.
What’s New in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2?
The second season promises a blend of tradition and modernity. While the essence of the show remains the same, the setting, characters, and generational themes have evolved. The story now features Gen-Z characters alongside the original leads. Amar shared that family values are still central, but the dynamics are more relatable to today’s audience.
Smriti’s Tulsi continues to be the emotional anchor of the family, and Mihir has transformed into a successful business tycoon. In the original, Mihir had just returned to India after his MBA. In this version, he is at the peak of his career. Amar explained that Mihir’s success has added new layers to his personality and introduced fresh conflicts with the younger characters.
A Fresh Format and Finite Series
Unlike its predecessor, which ran for years, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 is expected to be a finite series. Amar confirmed that the new season might last 10 to 12 months. This shift ensures a tight narrative, faster plot progression, and stronger viewer engagement.
The reunion of Mihir and Tulsi, the timeless family dynamics, and the revamped storyline make Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 one of the most anticipated television comebacks of the year. Amar summed it up perfectly: “We started where we left.”
