Our Bureau
Mumbai
In a move that has sent waves of excitement through both television and political circles, Smriti Irani is set to reprise her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in the much-anticipated reboot of Ektaa Kapoor’s legendary daily soap, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The show, which dominated Indian television from 2000 to 2008, will return to Star Plus on July 28, marking a full-circle moment for Irani, who has spent the last decade in the political spotlight.
Irani, who served as a Union minister across multiple portfolios from 2014 to 2024, recently lost the Amethi Lok Sabha seat to Congress loyalist Kishori Lal Sharma. Her return to acting has sparked speculation about her future in politics, with many wondering if this marks a sabbatical or a strategic pause before the 2029 elections.
Joining Irani in the reboot are original cast members Amar Upadhyay (Mihir), Hiten Tejwani, and Gauri Pradhan, all reprising their memorable roles. The original series was a cultural phenomenon, boasting double-digit TRPs and reshaping the Indian television landscape.
In a statement, Irani reflected on her journey: “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. 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”.
The reboot comes after years of speculation and previous denials about a possible return. Irani revealed that talks for a reboot began in 2014 but were shelved due to her political commitments. Now, as she straddles the worlds of media and public policy, her comeback is being watched closely by fans and political analysts alike.
