Politician-actor Smriti Irani has returned to Indian television playing the iconic Tulsi Virani after a long gap of 25 years with “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” reboot.
The makers of the series, sharing the exciting news with the audience, released the first look of Irani from the revamped version of the popular drama.
Irani was seen wearing a maroon saree with golden butis and a rich zari border. In the typical Tulsi style, her look was completed with a big red bindi, traditional gold jewelry, along with a black-beaded mangalsutra, and stacked bangles.
Smriti Irani returns as Tulsi Virani: Smriti Irani’s statement
In a statement issued Monday, Irani said, “Some journeys come full circle-not for nostalgia, but for purpose.”
“Returning to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is not just a step back into a role, but a return to a story that redefined Indian television and reshaped my own life. It gave me more than commercial success-it gave me a connection with millions of homes, a place in the emotional fabric of a generation,” the actor-politician said.
“In the 25 years since, I’ve straddled two powerful platforms-media and public policy-each with its own impact, each demanding a different kind of commitment,” Irani stated.
“Today, I stand at a crossroads where experience meets emotion, and creativity meets conviction. I return not just as an actor, but as someone who believes in the power of storytelling to spark change, preserve culture, and build empathy,” she added.
“In contributing to this next chapter, I hope to honour the legacy of Kyunki-and help shape a future where India’s creative industries aren’t just celebrated, but truly empowered,” she concluded.
Talking about “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” reboot, producer Ektaa Kapoor, said, “When we created ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ over two decades ago, we never imagined it would become such a defining part of India’s television legacy. With ‘Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: Tulsi Ka Safar’, our intent is to revisit and celebrate that legacy by curating the most powerful moments from the original series into a format that today’s audiences can experience with fresh eyes. It’s a tribute to the characters, emotions, and stories that resonated so deeply, and we’re excited to bring this nostalgia-packed journey to JioHotstar for both old fans and a whole new generation.”
Actor Amar Upadhyay, who will be reprising his role as Mihir Virani, added, “Stepping back into Kyunki’s world through ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: Tulsi Ka Safar’ has been like flipping through a beloved old photo album. It’s not about recreating, but about reliving those moments that left an imprint on so many hearts. This new format on JioHotstar allows viewers to re-experience Mihir’s story with renewed perspective and emotion, and I’m thrilled that both longtime fans and first-timers will get to see what made this character and show so iconic.”
