The internet is buzzing with excitement as the first look of former actress-turned-politician Smriti Irani from the upcoming reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has been unveiled. The iconic television series, which originally premiered in 2000 and ran successfully for eight years until 2008, is all set to return with a new season – and with its beloved lead back in her iconic role.
On Monday, the entertainment platform Instant Bollywood shared Smriti Irani’s first look on Instagram, sparking a wave of nostalgia among fans. In the image, Irani – who famously portrayed Tulsi Virani – is seen in a maroon saree with a rich zari border, adorned with traditional temple jewelry, a black-beaded mangalsutra, and her signature large red bindi. The look instantly transported viewers back to the golden era of Indian television.
Fans quickly took to the comments section, expressing their excitement and admiration. One user wrote, ‘Bring back all popular TV shows again,’ while another commented, ‘Tulsi nailed her character.’
The reboot will mark Irani’s return to acting after 15 years, a moment many fans have long awaited. Joining her in the revival is Amar Upadhyay, who will reprise his role as Mihir Virani, Tulsi’s on-screen husband.
A few days ago, Irani took to her Instagram account to celebrate 25 years of the show. She shared a picture with a note, which read, “25 years ago, a story entered Indian homes and quietly became part of countless lives. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn’t just a show – it was emotion, memory, ritual. A time when families paused everything to sit together… cry, laugh, hope. To every viewer who made Tulsi a part of their own family—thank you. This journey wasn’t mine alone. It was ours. And it always will be.”
Produced once again by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi originally aired on Star Plus from July 3, 2000, to November 6, 2008, delivering over 1,800 episodes. The series followed the story of Tulsi, an ideal daughter-in-law from a modest background who marries into the powerful Virani family. It went on to become one of the most influential Indian soaps, with record-breaking TRPs and a massive cultural impact.
Though the reboot was initially scheduled to premiere on July 3, production delays have slightly pushed the release. Nevertheless, the anticipation is sky-high, and fans are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds – with the original Tulsi and Mihir at its heart.
