Tulsi Returns, Nostalgia Rewinds: Karan Johar Cheers Kyunki’s Iconic Comeback

Image Source: Bollywood Hungama

India's longest-running soap, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, is back in a big way on July 29, 2025, and the excitement is massive. Smriti Irani will be reprising the iconic role of Tulsi Virani for the first time in 15 years. The comeback, again, is being produced by Ekta R Kapoor, and it has enjoyed positive feedback from the whole entertainment circle—right from director Karan Johar.

Highlights of the announcement:

The first glance was unveiled on July 7 by Smriti Irani wearing the traditional purple-golden saree, watering the Tulsi plant, and declaring her return.

The show will premiere at 10:30 PM on Star Plus and will be streaming on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar.

Karan Johar acknowledged the return on Instagram as the single show that changed the face of Indian television and credited Ekta Kapoor for its heritage.

Legacy and cultural impact

First aired between 2000 and 2008, the show aired for over 1,800 episodes and was a favorite among families.

It revolutionized prime-time television and initiated the trend of family dramas that dominated Indian television for over a decade.

The re-launch features the original cast like Amar Upadhyay as Mihir, along with new members like Shagun Sharma and Rohit Suchanti.

Industry sentiment:

The revival is seen as a strategic step towards leveraging multi-generational nostalgia as well as bringing the Virani saga to new generations of readers.

Smriti Irani addressed her experience, attributing the ability of storytelling to preserve cultures and to induce empathy.

Sources: Times of India, Filmibeat, Free Press Journal, Bollywood Hungama