First premiered on July 3, 2000, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi ran for 1,833 episodes and reshaped Indian television by becoming the most-watched Hindi TV show of its time. Produced under Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, it wasn’t just a show—it was a phenomenon that defined Indian households for nearly a decade.
Back then, Tulsi Virani (played by Smriti Irani) became a household name and a symbol of ideal Indian womanhood. Her relationship with Mihir Virani (played by Amar Upadhyay) set benchmarks for soap opera romances, and the show’s intense family politics and emotional drama drew viewers across generations.
The 2025 Reboot: What’s New?
Ekta Kapoor, known for her impeccable sense of audience sentiment, announced the revival of the show in July 2025. To everyone’s delight, Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay have returned as Tulsi and Mihir Virani, reprising their iconic roles, but now as senior family figures guiding the next generation.
New Star Cast Members
The fresh cast includes:
- Rohit Suchanti
- Aman Gandhi
- Shagun Sharma
These young actors bring a modern flair to the age-old family dynamics, introducing new subplots while retaining the essence of tradition, sanskaar, and family drama.
The Internet Reacts: A Nostalgic Tsunami
The internet exploded with reactions. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit were flooded with emotional posts from fans who grew up watching the show with their parents and grandparents.
“As a kid, I’d dramatically open doors to the #KyunkiSaasBhiKabhiBahuThi title track like Tulsi 💁♀️ Today, hearing that track again hit like a wave of nostalgia.”
“This change of 25 years feels good to watch actually because we keep seeing gen leaps in every show after just 2 years. Here, we can witness the leap in real number of years literally.”
“Hall mein full family baith ke 10:30 ka show dekhte the… Missing those days.”
The emotional connection viewers had with the original show continues to resonate. The #KyunkiSaasBhiKabhiBahuThi hashtag trended for hours after the first episode aired, with users sharing screenshots, old episode memories, and even memes on the iconic zoom-in camera shots and dramatic music.
The Timeless Appeal of Family Dramas
Why does Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi still hold such a strong place in Indian pop culture?
- Family-Centric Storytelling: At a time when urbanization was pulling families apart, the show glorified joint family values, making viewers long for emotional bonds.
- Iconic Characters: Tulsi, Mihir, Baa, Savita, Karan, and Ganga—every character was deeply layered and remembered even today.
- Cultural Values: Themes like respect for elders, forgiveness, karma, and sacrifice were central to the plot.
- Daily Ritual: Watching the show became a family ritual—a rare TV event that connected three generations.
Real Gen Leap, Not Just Scripted One
Unlike typical Indian TV shows that take “generation leaps” every two years, this reboot reflects a genuine leap of 25 years. A now-grown-up Shobha, seen as a newborn in the original, is an adult character with her own storyline, bridging past and present beautifully.
Shanti Niketan Reopens
The moment when Tulsi opened the doors of Shanti Niketan once again was symbolic—not just of the show’s return but of the revival of Indian TV nostalgia itself. The iconic set, now modernized yet familiar, triggered emotional reactions from viewers.
The chemistry between Tulsi and Mihir hasn’t faded either. Their mature portrayal adds depth to the new season, contrasting well with the youthful energy of the new generation.
A Masterstroke by Ekta Kapoor
The reboot is also being seen as a strategic content decision. In an age dominated by OTT platforms and quick reels, bringing back a beloved daily soap speaks to a yearning for simpler times.
Kapoor has reportedly said in interviews that this show is not just a remake but a “continuation of the legacy.”
“We’re not just reviving a show. We’re reviving an emotion, a habit, a culture of watching something with your family without phones in hand,” she said.
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