Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Reboot: Smriti Irani back as Tulsi after 15 years

After 25 years, the iconic Indian television serial Kyunki…Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is making a comeback with original cast members including Smriti Irani as Tulsi Virani and Amar Upadhyay as Mihir.

The reboot is now officially scheduled to premiere on July 29 at 10:30 PM on Star Plus, the channel announced Monday evening via its official Instagram page. The show will also stream on Jio Hotstar.

She stated in the promo, "Zaroor aaoongi. Kyunki itne saalon ka rishtha jo hai. Waqt aa gaya hai aapse phir milne ka (I will come back. It's a years-long bond after all. It's time to meet you all once again)".

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The announcement came just hours after the much-awaited first look of Smriti Irani as Tulsi was leaked online, sparking a wave of nostalgia. In the image, Irani is seen donning a maroon saree, her signature large red bindi, traditional jewellery, black-beaded mangalsutra, and neatly tied hair—evoking the classic look that made Tulsi a household name.

In a press note, Irani reflected on the significance of returning to her iconic role: "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."

She continued, "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. 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. 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."

The original Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi first aired in 2000 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Created by Ektaa Kapoor and produced by Balaji Telefilms, it ran for eight years and consistently topped television ratings.

To mark the show's 25th anniversary, Irani shared a heartfelt post on Instagram. “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,” she wrote.

Ektaa Kapoor also commemorated the milestone by sharing a nostalgic video from the original series. In her caption, she wrote, “25 YEARS!!! Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn't just a show... it was an emotion. A piece of my heart. A dream that started with folded hands and limitless faith in Shri Balaji... a story that became India's story. It gave @balajitelefilms its first wings... and gave me memories, love, and characters that continue to live in every home, every heart. Even today, when someone hums or create reels on the iconic theme 'Rishton' or tells me how Tulsi felt like their own, it melts my heart and adds strength to my spirit.”

Smriti Irani, who left acting to join politics, is returning to the screen after 15 years. She served as the Minister of Women and Child Development and is currently a BJP leader and Member of Parliament.

During a conversation with Barkha Dutt and Karan Johar in We The Women in London, Irani shared that the reboot had been in discussion since 2014. “If you look at the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi journey in totality, the most well-kept secret about it was I had a contract to do it again in 2014, and I walked away from it because I had to serve in the Indian Parliament as a cabinet minister. The set was ready, but there was a phone call from the Prime Minister's office that you have to take an oath,” she revealed.

She also recalled a conversation with the late actor Rishi Kapoor. “I remember Rishi Kapoor telling me to leave now because to serve your country is a greater service than just doing a movie or doing television,” Irani said.

With the new chapter set to begin on July 29, audiences old and new await the return of Tulsi Virani and the Virani family—ready to relive a legacy that shaped Indian television.