After years of hearsay and anticipation, the legendary Indian soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi returns in a big way. Its much-awaited sequel, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, launches July 29, 2025, at 10:30 PM on Star Plus, set to be the hub of Indian family nights once again.
Recap
First broadcast in 2000, the original series was lightning-in-a-bottle popular culture. With its cross-generational Virani family, headed by the iconic Tulsi (Smriti Irani), the show combined tradition, drama, and social issues in a format that redefined Indian prime time. It wasn't TV—it was a daily ritual, a dinner-table conversation piece, and, for many, a reflective portrait of Indian family life.
The storyline that captivated viewers
In essence, the serial dramatized the trials and successes of Tulsi Virani, the dutiful daughter-in-law, going through the complexity of an everyday family, battling smart saas (mothers-in-law), and surviving non-stop twists. The three generations under one roof, with friendship, backstabbing, and making up, was addictive television.
The new era: what's different, what's familiar
The return welcomes back Tulsi and Mihir, portrayed by Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay, respectively, and co-returns Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, Shakti Anand, and Kamalika Guha Thakurta. The new show is committed to remaining faithful to the emotional center of the original while bringing its themes in line with the current youth generation. Producer Ekta Kapoor foreshadowed "a modern sensibility" and fresh storylines to appeal to contemporary viewers.
Where are the stars now?
- Smriti Irani (Tulsi Virani): Following her mythic stint as Tulsi, Irani turned to politics, being welcomed into the BJP in 2003 and taking up the role of a Union Minister. Her return to acting is among the strongest attractions of the remake, and her reported per-episode salary has created a stir—now said to be ₹14 lakh, a rise from the ₹1,800 she received per episode in 2000.
- Amar Upadhyay (Mihir Virani): Upadhyay went on to work in TV and films and became popular in the industry. His relationship on screen with Irani is a favorite among fans.
- Hiten Tejwani & Gauri Pradhan (Karan & Nandini): The on-screen couple of TV are popular both on TV and will once again be reprising their favorite roles, bringing some star value and a dash of nostalgia to the new season.
- Shakti Anand, Kamalika Guha Thakurta, Ketaki Dave: The three lead actors from the first one, being active members of the TV circuit, will return, which will be a guarantee of continuity for regular fans.
The buzz and the backlash
The comeback has been a whirlwind of hype—and some doubt. While viewers of the show can hardly wait to get reacquainted with their beloved characters, some people are questioning whether the era of the daily soap is dead. Nevertheless, the release of the promo has created a sense of nostalgia, with celebrities such as Karan Johar praising the show's influence on Indian television: "One show. Many generations. Countless memories. The show that changed the face of Indian television."
A legacy reborn
As ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2’ gears up for its premiere, it aims to bridge generations, reuniting old fans and inviting new ones into the Virani family’s world. Will Tulsi’s values and resilience still resonate in 2025? Only time will tell, but for now, the nation is ready to say, once again, “Kyunki… saas bhi kabhi bahu thi.”
Watch on July 29, 2025, at 10:30 PM on Star Plus and JioHotstar for the next Indian television chapter.