The iconic television show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is making a comeback after 25 years, with Smriti Irani reprising her role as Tulsi Virani. The reboot is set to premiere on July 29 at 10:30 pm on Star Plus and will also be available for streaming on JioHotstar. The return of the show has generated considerable excitement and nostalgia among fans.
Smriti Irani's return to the show marks her comeback to acting after a 15-year hiatus. The first look of Irani as Tulsi Virani has been released, showing her in a maroon saree with traditional jewelry. Amar Upadhyay will also be returning as Mihir Virani, reigniting the on-screen magic that captivated audiences two decades ago.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi originally aired from July 3, 2000, to November 6, 2008, and became one of the most successful Indian soap operas of all time. The show held the number one spot on television for seven consecutive years. The series was produced by Ekta Kapoor under Balaji Telefilms and spanned over 1,800 episodes.
The return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is not just a nostalgic trip but also a significant financial event. According to reports, Smriti Irani is being paid a substantial amount to reprise her role as Tulsi Virani. She is reportedly being paid ₹14 lakh per episode for the second season. If this is accurate, it would make her the highest-paid actress in Indian television history. In comparison, Rupali Ganguly reportedly earns between ₹3 to ₹3.5 lakh per episode for her role in Anupamaa.
The production of the reboot is being kept under tight security, with Z+ level security for Smriti Irani and a strict no-phone policy on set. The promotional poster has already been shot, and the promo shoot is in its final stages.
Smriti Irani's journey with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi began with a much smaller salary. She initially earned ₹1,800 for the show. By the end of the original run, her salary had increased to ₹50,000 per episode, allowing her to make over ₹1.5 crore a year. The show itself generated over ₹1,500 crore with record TRPs and ad revenue.
The return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has generated excitement, with fans sharing their nostalgia and fond memories of the show. The show is expected to bring back the magic of the original series with a modern twist.