The iconic soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is set to return after 25 years, premiering on July 29 on Star Plus and JioHotstar. With Smriti Irani resuming her role as Tulsi Virani, alongside Amar Upadhyay as Mihir, many nostalgic fans are eager for the revival. Praised by industry figures like Karan Johar as “the show that changed Indian television” and backed by advertisers such as P&G and Colgate, the reboot is positioned as both a tribute and a potential game-changer.
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But amid the excitement, a critical question looms: Does this iconic narrative, built on traditional family values, resonate in 2025’s rapidly evolving cultural landscape?
The Legacy and Its Cultural Footprint
A juggernaut in its original run (2000–2008), the show aired 1,833 episodes and topped ratings for seven consecutive years with TRPs exceeding 22.4. Its portrayal of Tulsi as the epitome of sacrifice, duty, and domestic devotion strongly influenced public perceptions, so much so that Smriti Irani became synonymous with the character. Winning five consecutive ITA Best Actress Popular awards, Tulsi’s character left a lasting cultural mark
Nostalgia vs. Progress – A Clash of Eras
Many fans, especially those active on social media and Reddit, are thrilled at her return. One fan noted, “It’s an emotion, a saga that changed the Indian television industry for good,” capturing the sentimental pull. Others are hyped by the prospect of “Anupamaa vs. Tulsi,” a clash between two strong female leads in Indian TV.
But voices of dissent are rising. In a pointed opinion piece titled “Kyunki… is back. But who asked for it?” India Today argued that the series “glorifies domestication of women” and may be regressive in an era where women pursue careers, dreams, and autonomy. Critics ask: Are audiences in 2025 satisfied with stories where a woman’s triumph is measured by her halwa-making or enduring abuse? Or, given the era of narratives championing independence, agency, and ambition, has the Indian viewer moved on?
The Reboot’s Strategy: Then Meets Now
The series makers appear aware of the challenge: Ekta Kapoor has promised “a modern sensibility,” and Smriti Irani herself speaks of returning “not for nostalgia, but for purpose,” aiming to “boost India’s creative industries.”
Initial marketing suggests an emotional, yet balanced approach: the teaser engages viewers with a sense of warmth and memory, highlighting that families once paused daily life to watch the show, while the pitch of 150 episodes, shorter than the original’s nearly 1,900, hints at tighter, more focused storytelling.
Industry Perspective and Commercial Backing
Broadcaster Star Plus, along with heavyweight sponsors like Tide (P&G), Fortune, and Colgate, placing bets on the revival, shows the industry believes the title still has pull. This high commercial confidence, paired with a modern reworking of the storyline, aims to bridge the sentimental with practicality.
Challenges Ahead: Ideology, Relevance, and Audience
The reboot grapples with several core issues:
- Gender Narrative: Can Tulsi’s character evolve beyond the sacrificial archetype to reflect today’s balanced yet ambitious woman?
- Generational Appeal: Will younger viewers, unacquainted with the original series, find substance in a legacy reboot, or dismiss it as outdated melodrama?
- Creativity vs. Recycling: In an era of global content innovation, the question remains whether retelling a 25-year-old tale aligns with viewers seeking fresh formats and storytelling.
As Vineeta Kumar observed sharply, “Nostalgia is powerful, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of progress”.
A Relevance Test in Progress
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 carries a weight of cultural grandeur and commercial expectations. Its premiere on July 29 will mark a pivotal juncture; will the show merely be a sentimental journey for past viewers, or will it evolve Tulsi’s legacy to mirror the aspirations of contemporary audiences?
Whether it redefines the archetype of a modern bahu or remains tethered to its traditional roots depends on its script, character arcs, and willingness to embrace change. After all, the measure of relevance isn’t how well a show is remembered but how effectively it speaks to today’s world.
By – Sonali