After nearly two decades, one of Indian television’s most iconic shows is making a comeback. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, a series that once ruled living rooms and became a daily ritual for countless families, is returning with familiar faces. Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay will once again step into the beloved roles of Tulsi and Mihir Virani, rekindling memories that never quite faded.
Amar Upadhyay, who became a household name with this show, spoke candidly about the reboot and the overwhelming response it has already begun to receive. He admitted that he never expected the show’s popularity to survive so many years, especially with today’s endless stream of new television dramas. Amar shared that people from every generation continue to approach him, curious about Tulsi, Mihir, and the story. The affection from audiences has surprised him. He confessed, “I didn’t think Kyunki… would still be such a big deal, especially with so many shows airing today.”
The excitement among fans has also brought pressure. Amar acknowledged that the expectations this time are heavier because of the deep bond viewers have maintained with these characters. Addressing how the storyline would manage the long gap, he revealed that the makers have carefully worked it into the script. The narrative thoughtfully explains where each character has been and how relationships have evolved over the years. He pointed out that while Mihir and Tulsi’s love story remains at the heart of it all, it reflects the maturity that both the characters and actors have acquired with time.
Those who remember the original series will recall the dramatic twists that defined it. One of the most unforgettable moments was Mihir’s on-screen death, which caused such an uproar among fans that the character was resurrected. Amar looked back at it with humor, promising viewers that “Mihir is here to stay right till the final episode.”
Another special aspect of this reboot is Smriti Irani’s return to acting after a 15-year break. Now a significant political figure, her decision to return to television has sparked widespread curiosity. Amar shared that seeing her again felt like nothing had changed. Their camaraderie remained as natural as it was decades ago. During their meeting at Ekta Kapoor’s home, she teased him with a familiar joke, asking, “Tu boodha kab hoga?” to which he laughed and replied, “Abhi time hai.”
Addressing a long-standing perception about male actors being sidelined in shows centered around women, Amar was firm in his stance. He believes the strength of a character is not dependent on genre or gender focus. It comes from the actor’s own confidence and performance.
He made it clear that he wouldn’t settle for a role that simply placed him in the background. His career choices reflect a consistent demand for meaningful, well-etched characters. “You can’t cast me and then underutilise me,” he declared. Whether in television or films, Amar insisted on having a character that carried weight, even if the screen time was brief. For him, respect is earned by the presence a character holds, not the number of minutes they appear.
As Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi gears up for a fresh chapter, nostalgia is set to collide with new storytelling. The characters may have aged, the world may have changed, but for Amar and the fans, some stories remain timeless.
