Smriti Irani's portrayal of Tulsi Virani in Ekta Kapoor's "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" not only catapulted her to stardom but also created a cultural phenomenon that resonated deeply with Indian audiences. The show, which premiered in 2000, became a household name, exploring the intricate dynamics of the Virani family and solidifying Irani's place as a beloved television icon.
Recently, Irani reflected on her journey with "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi," revealing some surprising details about a potential reboot that was planned over a decade ago. In a conversation with Karan Johar and Barkha Dutt, Irani disclosed that she had signed a contract to reprise her role as Tulsi in 2014. However, fate had other plans, as she received a call from the Prime Minister's Office to serve in the Indian Parliament as a cabinet minister. This led her to make the difficult decision to step away from the show, even though the set was already prepared.
Irani also revealed that she had to decline a film role opposite Rishi Kapoor at the time. She recounted Rishi Kapoor's words of encouragement, reminding her that serving the country was a greater honor than pursuing a film or television career.
The actress-turned-politician's revelation about the planned 2014 reboot of "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" has stirred excitement among fans. The show is finally set to make its comeback, with Irani and Amar Upadhyay reprising their roles as Tulsi and Mihir, respectively. The reboot is designed to commemorate the show's 2000th episode milestone.
However, the road to the revival hasn't been without its bumps. While the premiere was initially scheduled for July 3, 2025, it has been slightly delayed due to Ekta Kapoor's desire to make some changes to the set. According to sources, Kapoor, known for her perfectionism, wanted to ensure that the color combination on screen translated perfectly, emphasizing the importance of getting everything right for a show that holds such a special place in television history.
Adding to the behind-the-scenes drama, Ekta Kapoor refuted Irani's claims about the 2014 reboot plans in a social media post, which she later deleted. Despite this, the anticipation for the return of "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" remains high.
Irani's journey from television stardom to a prominent political career is a testament to her versatility and dedication. She entered politics in 2003, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and has since held various গুরুত্বপূর্ণ positions, including Minister of Human Resource Development, Minister of Textiles, and Minister of Information and Broadcasting. Currently, she serves as the Minister of Women and Child Development and Minister of Minority Affairs.
Her return to television with "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" marks a full circle moment, blending her past stardom with her present political stature. It is reported that Irani is being paid Rs 14 lakh per day for her role in the reboot, making her the highest-paid television actress in 2025. The production has also implemented enhanced security protocols, including Z+ category security for Irani during filming.
As "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" prepares to grace television screens once again, it's clear that the show continues to hold a special place in the hearts of viewers and remains a shared memory for those who grew up watching the Virani family's saga unfold.
