Smriti Irani is set to reprise her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in the much-awaited reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, marking her return to television. The first look of Irani from the show has been revealed ahead of its premiere, reigniting nostalgia among long-time fans.
In the promotional still, Smriti Irani dons a maroon saree embellished with golden butis and a rich zari border, completed with her signature big red bindi. She is also seen wearing traditional temple jewelry, a black-beaded mangalsutra, and stacked bangles—an unmistakable throwback to early 2000s TV fashion.
A first look of Tulsi Virani (Smriti Irani) from the new sets of Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
The original Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi aired from 2000 to 2008, maintaining the number one spot on Indian television for seven consecutive years.
Premiere Postponed as Set Undergoes Changes, Confirms Amar Upadhyay
Actor Amar Upadhyay, who returns as Mihir Virani in the reboot, confirmed that the premiere of the show has been delayed. A source quoted by Hindustan Times attributed the delay to modifications being made to the set.
View this post on Instagram
“Yes, it’s true. The set had to be reworked. Apparently, the colour combination on the screen wasn’t translating the way it should. Ektaa knows exactly what she wants, she’s a perfectionist. And this is Kyunki. It’s not just another show. It’s a legacy and she wants to do everything what’s best for the show,” Upadhyay said.
ALSO READ: Subhash Ghai shares pic of ‘next heroine’: Fans guffaw over ‘Riteshi’
In a previous conversation with Barkha Dutt and Karan Johar on We The Women, Smriti Irani had revealed that she had initially signed a contract in 2014 to reprise her role, but walked away to serve in the Indian Parliament as a cabinet minister.
“If you look at the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi journey in totality, the most well-kept secret about it was I had a contract to do it again in 2014, and I walked away from it because I had to serve in the Indian Parliament as a cabinet minister. The set was ready, but there was a phone call from the Prime Minister’s office that you have to take an oath,” Irani shared.
She also recalled a moment of encouragement from late actor Rishi Kapoor, saying, “I remember Rishi Kapoor telling me to leave now because to serve your country is a greater service than just doing a movie or doing television.”
