Smriti Irani has finally broken her silence on the ongoing TRP battle between her iconic show “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2” and Rupali Ganguly’s “Anupamaa.” In an exclusive interview, the actor-turned-politician firmly stated that her show’s 25-year legacy transcends any contemporary competition.
The veteran star, who became a household name playing Tulsi Virani, addressed the frequent comparisons between the two shows and their lead actresses, emphasizing that such rivalry discussions are fundamentally unfair given the historical significance of her original series.
Historic TRP Numbers Set the Bar High
Irani highlighted the astronomical success of the original “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,” which premiered in 2000 and achieved unprecedented TRP ratings of 30. “So when somebody gets to number 30 in terms of TRPs, then you can be our competition, right? We were there 25 years ago. If you have the capacity to be remembered for 25 years, then we will talk about competition,” she stated.
The show maintained its position as the number one television program for eight consecutive years, a feat that Irani believes remains unmatched in Indian television history. She confidently asserted that no current show would achieve such consistency or longevity, making any comparison inherently unfair.
Multi-Dimensional Success Beyond Television
Drawing parallels between her entertainment career and political journey, Irani emphasized her multifaceted achievements. “If you have been a three-time MP, a cabinet minister for a decade, a BJP person for 25 years — if you want to compete, you have to be fair to everybody in the so-called competitive sphere. Do you measure up on all these standards? Then compete,” she remarked.
The former Union Minister stressed that true competition requires measuring success across multiple dimensions, not just current television ratings. Her transition from entertainment to politics, serving as a cabinet minister for a decade and being elected as an MP three times, adds layers to her accomplishments that extend far beyond the television screen.
OTT Platform Success Validates Timeless Appeal
Addressing the modern entertainment landscape, Irani highlighted how “Kyunki 2” has successfully resonated with audiences on OTT platforms, which she described as “a very hard market to crack” due to its complexity. This digital success demonstrates that the show’s appeal transcends traditional television boundaries and continues to find relevance with contemporary viewers.
“Today, it’s not as if I am acting or conveying a story only on television. I have both. So if I look at the reference numbers on OTT, which is a very hard market to crack, it is so complex. So, for a show that is so-called old school to resonate so loudly on OTT, that speaks volumes,” she explained.
The Initial Success and Subsequent Dip
When “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2” returned earlier this year, it immediately captured the number one position in its first week, triggering a wave of nostalgia among viewers. However, the TRPs gradually declined, allowing “Anupamaa” to reclaim its top slot, which subsequently led to media comparisons between the two shows and their leading ladies.
Despite this initial dip, Irani maintains that the show’s ability to return after 25 years and still generate significant viewership is “remarkable” in itself, especially considering the proliferation of competitive entertainment mediums in today’s market.
Crediting Ekta Kapoor’s Vision
Irani reserved special praise for producer Ekta Kapoor, crediting her with creating a television legend. She recalled how the success of Kapoor’s shows made Balaji Telefilms one of the first television production houses to get listed on the Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone in the industry’s evolution.
“So, I mean, am I competing with anybody at the Stock Exchange? So [all these competition talks] I think it’s foolhardy,” she concluded, emphasizing that the show’s impact extends to financial markets and business success beyond mere entertainment metrics.
Industry Impact and Legacy Considerations
The discussion around “Kyunki 2” versus “Anupamaa” reflects broader conversations about legacy programming versus contemporary content in Indian television. While “Anupamaa” represents the current generation of family dramas, “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” established many of the foundational elements that continue to influence Indian television storytelling today.
Irani’s response underscores the challenge of comparing shows across different eras, each operating within distinct media landscapes and audience expectations. Her emphasis on the 25-year journey from television to politics illustrates how entertainment success can serve as a launching pad for broader public service.
The veteran performer’s confident dismissal of competition talks reflects not just personal pride but also a recognition of her show’s historical significance in shaping Indian television culture, making any contemporary comparison an exercise in comparing different epochs of entertainment rather than parallel achievements.
By – Sonali