From Tulsi’s Living Room to the Nation’s Parliament — The Dialogues Have Changed, But Her Resolve Remains Unshaken
When Smriti Irani first appeared as Tulsi Virani in 2000, she wasn’t just playing a role — she was stepping into the heart of Indian households. Now, in 2025, that very character is making a comeback — and so is Smriti. But this time, she’s doing it not just as Tulsi, but as one of India’s most powerful politicians.
A Comeback Years in the Making: What Stopped Tulsi in 2014?
Not many know that Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 was initially being planned back in 2014. Smriti Irani herself recently confirmed that she had been approached then, but had to step away due to a higher calling — she had just taken oath as a Cabinet Minister in the Narendra Modi-led government.
Eleven years later, she has finally said yes. And fans across generations are ready.
Confirmed: When, Where, and Who Is Coming Back
The reboot officially premieres on July 29, 2025, at 10:30 PM on Star Plus, and will also stream on JioCinema (formerly Hotstar). The revival will feature a limited run of 150 new episodes, aimed at pushing the legacy toward a historic 2,000-episode total.
Smriti Irani reunites with core members of the original cast:
- Amar Upadhyay (Mihir Virani)
- Hiten Tejwani
- Shakti Anand
- Gauri Pradhan
The cast recently shot a nostalgic new title track, which includes throwback footage and fresh scenes with Tulsi standing strong in a maroon silk saree, declaring: “Phir aarahi hai Tulsi, aapke aangan mein khilne.”
The Soap That Changed Indian Television Forever
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi aired on Star Plus from 2000 to 2008 and completed a record-breaking 1,833 episodes. At its peak, the show dominated Indian prime-time with an unprecedented TRP of 22.4 and held the #1 slot for five consecutive years.
Tulsi’s character — moral, emotional, and unshakably strong — became the blueprint for the “ideal Indian bahu.” Irani’s performance turned her into a national icon. So iconic, in fact, that her return isn’t just nostalgia — it’s cultural history repeating itself.
From Serial Queen to Cabinet Minister: Smriti’s Parallel Rise
Smriti Irani’s career path is a masterclass in reinvention. After leaving the show in 2007, she entered politics, joining the BJP and contesting the Amethi seat against Rahul Gandhi in 2014. Though she lost by a slim margin, she returned in 2019 and stunned the nation by defeating him by over 55,000 votes.
She has since held critical portfolios — HRD, Textiles, and now Women & Child Development. In 2023, India Today named her among the Top 10 Most Powerful Women in Indian Politics.
And now, even as she returns to television, Irani has clarified:
“Politics will always be in my veins. My return to Tulsi is not a retirement — it’s a tribute.”
Bullet Point Highlights: What You Should Know
- Kyunki 2 premieres July 29, 2025, on Star Plus & JioCinema
- 150-episode limited run planned, extending the franchise to 2,000 episodes
- Original stars including Amar Upadhyay, Hiten Tejwani, and Shakti Anand return
- Smriti Irani reportedly being paid ₹14 lakh/day for her comeback
- Irani confirms: “This is not political retirement. It’s emotional closure.”
Why Tulsi Still Matters — And Why Her Return Is Symbolic
In a world now obsessed with fast content and short attention spans, Tulsi Virani’s return isn’t just about reviving a show — it’s about reviving a value system, a cultural memory, and a generational bridge. Ekta Kapoor herself said the new Kyunki will “ask questions, not just chase TRPs.”
In the newly released promo, Tulsi walks through her old home with poise and purpose. She isn’t just back — she’s reclaiming her space. And the show is expected to reflect modern family dynamics while retaining the emotional core that made it India’s most-watched serial.
Was Tulsi a Role? Or a Reflection? Smriti Has Always Played Both
During her television years, Irani bagged multiple Best Actress awards, became the highest-paid actress on Indian TV, and later walked away — not due to failure, but because she wanted to serve a different audience: the people of India.
She never truly left storytelling. In 2021, she released her political thriller ‘Lal Salaam’, a best-selling novel that explored justice, violence, and power. Her voice — on screen or in Parliament — has always been one of conviction.
Smriti Irani’s story now comes full circle. From a young woman working at McDonald’s to India’s most iconic bahu, to a firebrand Union Minister — and now, back to where it all began.
Whether you watch for nostalgia or new beginnings, one thing is certain: Tulsi is not just returning to your screen. She’s reminding you why she never really left.
Because this time, the stakes aren’t just about kitchen politics — they’re about national pride, personal evolution, and the power of reinvention.
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Author: Anjali Pandey
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