Explained: Smriti Irani's Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi returns - What season 2 means for Indian TV and the new generation

After a hiatus of nearly two decades, Tulsi Virani aka Smriti Irani will be back on the TV screens tonight. And with her, it will also mark the return of the iconic show that changed the face of Indian television forever.

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, one of the longest-running, will officially return on July 29, airing at 10:30 PM on Star Plus and streaming on Jio Hotstar.

But what does this revival mean in today's entertainment ecosystem?

When it was originally launched

The show went on air in 2000, and it redefined Indian TV. Produced by Balaji Telefilms and conceptualised by TV czarina Ekta Kapoor, it was about the emotional, moral, and political upheavals of the Virani family, which was led by the ideal daughter-in-law Tulsi Virani. Smriti Irani, who had quit TV for politics, is returning to the small screens for the second season.

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi originally ran for 1,833 episodes over eight years and made all its actors a household name. The show garnered a cult following across India and South Asia, especially among women and family audiences.

Why is it returning now?

There is a broader worldwide trend of media nostalgia, there has been a recent trend of rebooting classic old shows for the younger and multi-generational viewers. The 'Sex and the City' reboot, was titled 'And Just Like That...', then F.R.I.E.N.D.S. reunion also happened recently.

What's New in Season 2 of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi?

Unlike the original's never-ending format, according to Ekta Kapoor, Season 2 is a finite series, with 100+ episodes, focusing on the emotional core and not just TRPs.

Smriti Irani will return as Tulsi and she will be joined by Amar Upadhyay as her husband Mihir Virani. Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan are also reprising their roles of Karan Virani and Nandini.

When and Where to watch

The show will air its first episode on July 29 at 10:30 PM IST on Star Plus and on OTT - it will stream on JioCinema and Jio Hotstar.

Ekta Kapoor had said in a teaser earlier: “This time, we’re not chasing ratings. We want to spark conversations."

A much-awaited comeback

One of the biggest headlines around the show’s return is the huge pay package of Smriti Irani.

Once paid a mere Rs 1,800 per episode, Smriti is now reportedly earning Rs 14 lakh per episode, making her the highest-paid actor in Indian television history.

It also marks her return to acting after fully dedicating the last decade to public life as a Member of Parliament and Union Minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's regime.

Where Season 2 picks up

While much of the plot is under wraps, promos hint at the return of Tulsi to Shantiniketan after years of absence. There is bound to be a generational clash between old values and new-age ideologies.

Old relationships will be rekindled, but with modern complexities.

A symbolic gesture of Tulsi watering the Holy Tulsi plant in the promos evokes not just spirituality but emotional continuity from the original series.

Characters who are missing?

While Tulsi and Mihir are back, several beloved characters will not return for the second season. A few are not returning because their character arcs ended conclusively or due to actor unavailability.

For eg, Baa played by Sudha Shivpuri has passed away. Apara Mehta, who played Tulsi's saas Savita not in cast lineup. Akashdeep Saigal, who played the role of Tulsi's son Ansh, was killed by his mother so he is unlikely to return as well.

This strategic pruning of the cast seems designed to keep the narrative focused and tight.

What does the return of Kyunki... means for Indian TV

The return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 isn’t just a one-off nostalgic event, it signals a shift in how legacy content is treated and loved in India. Unlike typical re-runs, this is an intentional soft reboot: Smart, short-form storytelling for the modern and reel loving audiences.

Plus in the changing time, the show is not going to be limited to just you TV screens but will simultaneously stream on the OTT platforms. It will make it easier for the younger lot to access their favourite show anytime.

Kyunki's return also sets the stage for other legacy franchises to return, perhaps with similarly respectful and restrained formats.

Key factors behind the return of the iconic show:

• Returns after 25 years since original launch
• Demand from loyal audiences for closure or continuation
• Nostalgia-fueled streaming era - old shows are performing well on OTT platforms
• Smriti Irani's return to acting after over a decade in politics

If you grew up in the early 2000s, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi was more than just a show, it was a daily ritual. The return of Tulsi, even in a shorter format, will delve into a deeply emotional space in Indian pop culture.

Whether the reboot becomes a hit or not, it marks a cultural experiment to see if India’s most iconic saas-bahu saga makes sense in the age of OTT, feminism, and short-format storytelling. We'll know soon enough.

Stay tuned to watch the first episode of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi tonight at 10:30 pm.