After nearly two decades, Tulsi Virani has returned — and fans can’t stop talking about it. The teaser for the rebooted version of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi dropped unexpectedly, leaving fans nostalgic and emotional. What’s more? It has sparked a new debate: Tulsi vs Anupamaa — who rules primetime TV?
Let’s dive into everything the teaser revealed, how Smriti Irani’s comeback was received, and why social media is buzzing with anticipation.
Smriti Irani’s Comeback as Tulsi Virani
On July 7, the first look of Smriti Irani as Tulsi went viral. Many speculated whether the leaked photo was AI-generated — a fair assumption in today’s digital age. But hours later, Ekta Kapoor’s team confirmed what fans had hoped: Smriti Irani was indeed returning to television. And not just for a cameo — for a full-fledged reboot of her iconic character in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
The emotional teaser was released on the same day, further fuelling the excitement.
The Teaser That Touched Hearts
The 1 minute 10 second teaser is crafted to tug at your heartstrings. It begins in a modern-day restaurant, where a family is eating together. The mother nostalgically reacts to Kyunki’s title track playing on TV. She credits the show for teaching her family the value of dining together. When her son reveals the show is returning, she exclaims:
“Apni Tulsi wapas TV par?”
The next frame is the most iconic moment — a door opens, and we see Tulsi Virani’s hands picking up a kalash. Her voice echoes:
“Zaroor aaungi. Kyunki, humaara 25 saalo ka rishta jo hai. Waqt aa gaya hai aap se phir milne ka.”
Dressed in her traditional maroon saree with a golden border, Smriti Irani looks just as fans remember her. The teaser ends with the official announcement —
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi returns from July 29, every night at 10:30 PM.
Nostalgia and Emotions Overflow
Within minutes of the teaser release, the internet was flooded with reactions:
- “I’m literally tearing up — my childhood is coming back!”
- “This show is legacy and childhood memories. The family together ❤️ It’s pure emotion.”
- “Smriti Irani is Tulsi — there will never be another like her.”
The overwhelming emotion shows just how deeply Kyunki is rooted in the hearts of Indian viewers. It was more than just a daily soap — it was a part of people’s daily routine, family traditions, and collective memories.
Tulsi vs Anupamaa: Clash of the Titans?
One of the most trending reactions online is not just about nostalgia — it’s about competition. With Anupamaa ruling Indian TV ratings currently, fans are now calling it the beginning of a primetime war.
Some top reactions:
- “Anupamaa vs Tulsi… maza aayega! ”
- “Finally no more sorry-sorry from Anupamaa aunty. Kyunki is back! ”
- “Ab milega Anupamaa ko barabar ka takkar.”
With Rupali Ganguly dominating TRPs, viewers are excited to see how Smriti Irani’s comeback will shake things up. This “OG vs New Gen” comparison has become the center of meme wars and reel content across Instagram and X (Twitter).
What to Expect from the Reboot?
While the teaser kept the storyline under wraps, a few things are clear:
- The essence of Kyunki will remain the same — family drama, values, and emotional depth.
- Amar Upadhyay is also expected to return as Mihir Virani, though his look hasn’t been officially revealed yet.
- New actors will join the cast, adding modern layers to a classic setup.
- The show will air every night at 10:30 PM, aiming directly at the Anupamaa audience.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Reignited
Smriti Irani returning as Tulsi Virani is more than a television event — it’s a cultural phenomenon. For millennials and Gen X viewers, it’s a trip down memory lane. For Gen Z, it’s a chance to discover a character who defined Indian television for years. Whether Kyunki can regain its TRP throne remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Tulsi is back, and Indian TV will never be the same again.
Smriti Irani Returns as Tulsi in Reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi