The worlds of Tulsi and Parvati have collided once again, sparking a wave of nostalgia and excitement among fans of Indian television. Smriti Irani and Sakshi Tanwar, the actresses who portrayed these iconic characters in "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" and "Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii" respectively, have reunited after many years for a special crossover episode in "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2".
The reunion marks the 25th anniversary of "Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii" and brings together two shows that significantly impacted Indian family drama in the early 2000s. The crossover features Sakshi Tanwar and Kiran Karmarkar, reprising their roles as Parvati and Om Agarwal, meeting with Smriti Irani as Tulsi Virani and Amar Upadhyay as Mihir Virani.
Smriti Irani shared a heartfelt post on social media, expressing her feelings about reuniting with Sakshi Tanwar after two and a half decades. She wrote, "Grace, grit and gorgeousness—there are many adjectives that I can ascribe to Sakshi, but what I can't describe is how it felt to embrace the memory and reality of her after 2.5 decades of camaraderie". Irani further added that they "didn't know the ruckus Tulsi Parvati created, for we were not chasing history; we happened to make it while chasing excellence". She praised Tanwar as a loving mother, a doting daughter, and an authentic human being, saying that words could not adequately describe her.
A promo of the crossover episode shows Tulsi worried about a diya (lamp) being blown out, which she sees as a bad omen. Parvati arrives to help, reassuring Tulsi that she will always be there for her friend. Fans have expressed their excitement about the reunion, with many noting how little Sakshi Tanwar seems to have aged. Some fans even called them their "entire childhood".
In addition to the reunion with Sakshi Tanwar, "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2" is also making headlines for another unexpected collaboration. Bill Gates is set to make an appearance on the show via video call. This collaboration aims to create awareness about maternal and newborn health, aligning with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's initiatives. Irani has worked with Gates and his foundation for years as advocates of maternal and child health. She saw his cameo as a perfect fit, given the show's focus on relevant social issues.
Smriti Irani has stated that the show is using its platform to address various social issues, including body shaming, aging, harassment at the workplace, and issues of false dowry cases. She emphasized the importance of incorporating traditional methods of good nutrition and supporting the dietary needs of women and children into the storyline.
"Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2" has brought back many original cast members, including Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, Shakti Anand, and Ketki Dave. The show has also introduced a new generation of actors.
