Relive the magic of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi with Smriti Irani’s Tulsi return in Season 2. Find original cast, new faces, plot, and nostalgic vibes.
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Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
Hey everyone, if you have ever found yourself humming that unforgettable theme song or quoting Tulsi’s wise words during family dinners, you are in for a treat.
We are here reminiscing about those evenings glued to the TV, watching the Virani family navigate their endless ups and downs.
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we thrive on stories that bridge generations, and few do it better than Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
Can you believe it has been over 15 years since the original wrapped up?
With Season 2 premiering on July 29, 2025, at 10:30 PM on Star Plus and streaming on JioHotstar, it is like the show never left.
Ekta Kapoor and Balaji Telefilms are bringing back nostalgia while mixing in modern twists; honestly, it feels like coming home.
For the uninitiated or those needing a quick catch-up, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (KSBKBT for short) debuted on July 3, 2000, and ran until November 6, 2008, churning out a staggering 1,833 episodes.
It was the queen of Indian daily soaps, holding the top TRP spot for seven years straight and peaking at 22.4 in its heyday.
Produced by Ekta Kapoor, it followed the affluent Gujarati Virani family in their sprawling Shantiniketan home, tackling everything from marital woes and traditions to betrayal and redemption.
Tulsi Virani, played by Smriti Irani, was the heart the ideal bahu who embodied strength, virtue, and resilience.
The show did not just entertain; it mirrored Indian family life, sparking conversations on women’s roles, joint family dynamics, and societal norms.
It won many awards, including multiple Indian Telly Awards, and launched careers while setting the bar for soaps like Kasautii Zindagii Kay.
However, why revive it in 2025?
Ekta Kapoor has shared that it is about honoring the 25th anniversary and wrapping up unfinished threads.
The original fell short of 2,000 episodes.
In a world of quick OTT fixes, this limited series (around 150 episodes) aims to blend timeless values with today’s issues, like social equality and generational shifts.
Ekta promises no gimmicks, just heartfelt storytelling that sparks real talk.
Smriti Irani, now a full-time politician, calls herself a “part-time actress” but could not resist Tulsi’s call.
She has been spotted shooting with Z+ security, blending her high-profile life with the set’s warmth.
Amar Upadhyay, the original Mihir, initially thought the offer was a prank but jumped in, excited to reunite with old friends.
The buzz is real.
Promos are dropping, BTS videos are teasing reunions, and fans are flooding social media with memories.
This blog will explore the full cast odyssey: the original legends who set the gold standard, the Season 2 mix of returns and fresh faces, plot hints, casting tales, and more.
We will also include tables for easy comparisons, fun trivia, and plenty of details to keep you hooked.
Let us start with the roots that made Kyunki a phenomenon.
Original Saga: Building A TV Empire (2000-2008)
2000 Indian TV was evolving, and Kyunki exploded onto the scene like a wild family reunion.
The plot revolved around Tulsi, a simple priest’s daughter, who married into the wealthy Virani clan against all odds.
Her journey to win over her strict saas, Savita, and wise Baa while dealing with schemers like Mandira was pure drama gold.
Over eight years, we saw generations unfold: weddings, births, deaths (so many fake ones!), betrayals, and leaps that introduced new conflicts.
Remember Mihir’s “death” that sparked nationwide protests?
Fans threw stones at Balaji offices, forcing his resurrection!
Or Tulsi shooting her son, Ansh, to protect Nandini from trauma?
The show tackled heavy topics like marital rape, infidelity, and justice, all wrapped in rituals and emotions.
Its legacy?
It shattered records, influenced pop culture, streets emptied during episodes and cemented the saas-bahu genre.
Critics noted the over-the-top twists, but the emotional core resonated, especially with women viewers.
Ekta drew from Gujarati novels and personal touches, like naming Mihir after a school friend.
The ensemble cast was key, evolving through recasts and leaps.
To break it down, here is a table of the core original cast, their roles, and standout moments:
| Character | Actor(s) | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Tulsi Virani | Smriti Irani (main), Gautami Kapoor (brief 2007) | Ideal bahu; Mihir’s wife; mother to Gautam/Angad, Shobha, Harsh/Ansh; cultural icon who won 5 ITA Best Actress awards; shot scenes post-miscarriage, showing dedication. |
| Mihir Virani | Amar Upadhyay (2000-2001, 2002), Inder Kumar (brief), Ronit Roy (2002-2008) | Charismatic hubby; “died” multiple times; fan protests brought him back; defined enduring love. |
| Savita Virani | Apara Mehta | Stern saas, who softens; the mercy killing plot added depth. |
| Amba Virani (Baa) | Sudha Shivpuri | Loving grandmother; family head; passed away in-story and real life (2015), so no return. |
| Karan Virani | Hiten Tejwani | Mihir’s half-brother; Nandini’s supportive husband; emotional arcs. |
| Nandini Virani | Gauri Pradhan | Karan’s wife, Tulsi’s friend, faced heavy issues like rape; a strong female bond. |
| Hemant Virani | Shakti Anand | Family member with subplots; added layers to ensemble. |
| Gayatri Virani | Kamalika Guha Thakurta | Jamnadas’s wife; elder support system. |
| Daksha Virani | Ketaki Dave | Comic relief; outspoken and fun. |
| Shobha Virani | Ritu Chaudhary (adult) | Tulsi-Mihir’s daughter; her own dramatic life. |
Supporting gems like Mandira (Achint Kaur), Ansh (Akashdeep Saigal), Krishna Tulsi (Mouni Roy), and Lakshya (Pulkit Samrat) kept things spicy.
Mouni and Pulkit’s rumored real-life link added off-screen buzz.
The show crossed over with others, shot internationally, and held No. 1 for ages.
For plot milestones across generations, check this table:
| Generation | Twists | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| First (Tulsi-Mihir) | Arranged vs. love marriage; Mihir’s fake death; Tulsi’s acceptance. | Highlighted bahu struggles; fan frenzy showed emotional ties. |
| Second (Kids like Ansh) | Baby swaps, rape, Tulsi’s jail time. | Addressed consent and justice; challenged norms. |
| Third (Krishna Tulsi era) | Fake identities, inheritance battles. | Focused on redemption; ended on hope. |
This structure hooked millions, blending soap flair with real reflections.
Smriti’s underdog casting, rejected initially, but picked by Ekta, broke molds.
She tackled pay parity behind the scenes, making Tulsi a symbol of empowerment.
Season 2 Revival: Nostalgia With A Modern Twist (2025 Onward)
Fast-forward to 2025, and Kyunki is back after a 17-year hiatus!
Initially slated for July 3, the premiere shifted to July 29, perhaps for polishing or aligning with Smriti’s schedule.
It is a limited run, not endless, focusing on quality over quantity. Ekta says it will raise social issues without fluff, inspiring change.
The story picks up years later: Tulsi is the matriarch, her kids are grown, and she faces contemporary challenges like ambition vs. family, intergenerational clashes, and evolving relationships.
Episode 1 teases Tulsi’s honeymoon request amid delays, introducing adult Angad, Hrithik, and Pari.
Conflicts brew with new alliances, blending classic drama with fresh arcs.
Promos are electric, Smriti says, “Phir aarahi hai Tulsi aapke aangan mein khilne,” sparking tears.
BTS clips show reunions: laughs, hugs, and old bonds reigniting.
Amar shares how he and Smriti picked up like no time had passed.
Rumors swirl: Jeetendra (Ekta’s dad) might cameo, linking to Bollywood.
Barkha Bisht joins as a potential villain, echoing Mandira’s schemes.
The cast balances legacy and new energy.
Here is the returning lineup:
Returning Legacy Cast
| Character | Actor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Tulsi Virani | Smriti Irani | Matriarch role; shoots with Z+ security; excited for nostalgia. |
| Mihir Virani | Amar Upadhyay | Original Mihir back; thought offer was a prank; strong bond with Smriti. |
| Karan Virani | Hiten Tejwani | Elder figure; thrilled to reunite, calls it “brilliant.” |
| Nandini Virani | Gauri Pradhan | Continues as ally; mature dynamics. |
| Hemant Virani | Shakti Anand | Ensemble depth; BTS fun highlighted. |
| Gayatri Virani | Kamalika Guha Thakurta | Family elder; maintains traditions. |
| Daksha Virani | Ketaki Dave | Comic vibes; reprises spice. |
| Shobha Virani | Ritu Chaudhary/Seth | Grown daughter; life navigations (note: some sources list Ritu Seth). |
New Generation Cast
| Character | Actor | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Angad Virani | Rohit Suchanti | Tulsi-Mihir’s son; romantic lead with Vrinda; married to co-star Shagun in real life for sibling chemistry. |
| Hrithik Virani | Aman Gandhi | Another son: explores growth and bonds. |
| Pari Virani | Shagun Sharma | Daughter, modern, sassy woman bringing glam. |
| Vrinda Patel | Tanisha Mehta | Angad’s interest; new ties and conflicts. |
| Vardaan Patel | Ankit Bhatia | Family connector; adds texture. |
| Anandi Patel | Prachi Singh | Supporting emotional arcs. |
Cameo Buzz
| Role | Actor | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Krishna Tulsi | Mouni Roy | Special return; Bollywood star adds hype. |
| Lakshya | Pulkit Samrat | Cameo with past link; rumored real-life drama. |
| Villain? | Barkha Bisht | New entry as antagonist; Mandira vibes. |
| Special Guest | Jeetendra | Possible appearance: Bollywood nod. |
| Others? | Karishma Tanna | Rumored cameo for extra flair. |
Production was challenging, and Smriti’s politics limited dates, leading to a tight schedule.
However, the commitment shines: high fees for stars (though details are hush-hush), careful scripting for relevance.
Themes: Bridging Past And Present
Season 2 anchors in originals for continuity.
Tulsi’s wisdom guides, and Mihir’s loyalty endures.
Newbies symbolize change: Pari’s sass challenges traditions, and Angad’s romance mixes old-new values.
Per Ekta, it will explore bonds, ambition, and issues like population concerns or equality.
Nostalgia meets evolution, resonating with people of all ages.
Casting Tales: From Protests To Reunions
The originals had drama: Smriti’s rejection-turned-stardom, Mihir’s recasts amid outrage (Ronit became definitive).
Season 2?
Balancing availabilities was key.
Smriti’s part-time gig shaped the short run.
New picks like Rohit and Shagun bring fresh energy, with real-life ties enhancing on-screen sibling vibes.
Final Thoughts: Why Kyunki Endures
Phew, what a journey through Virani’s world!
From original heartaches to Season 2’s promising blend, the cast makes it timeless.
Smriti’s Tulsi remains virtue’s beacon, Amar’s Mihir loyalty’s rock, and newcomers add zest.
As we tune in on July 29, it is more than TV; it is family, growth, and memories.
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we are all about these connecting tales.
Dive into our other pieces on TV revivals for more.
What is your top Kyunki moment?
Drop it below.
We would love to chat!
Stay tuned, folks. 😊
Trivia Time!
Here is a gem: When Mihir “died” in 2001, fans protested so fiercely that Ekta revived him, proving TV’s power!
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