Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Thi first episode review: Tulsi and Mihir Virani are back with lots of drama in store

It’s been 25 years, but the magic of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has returned with all the emotion, grandeur, and family drama that once made it a household name. The first episode hits the nostalgia chord right away—with the iconic title track ‘Rishton ke bhi roop badalte hai’, Tulsi performing aarti to the tulsi plant, and a heartfelt remembrance of Baa. It’s a moment that will take long-time viewers straight back to the 2000s.

The Virani household opens its doors to both familiar and fresh faces. Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan, the real-life couple, return as Karan and Nandini, alongside Shakti Anand (Hemant), Kamalika Guha Thakurta (Gayatri), Ketaki Dave (Daksha), and Ritu Chaudhary (Shobha). The next-gen includes Rohit Suchanti as Angad, Shagun Sharma as Pari, and Aman Gandhi as Hrithik. Adding to the emotional weight are spirit appearances and tributes to Savita Virani (Apara Mehta) and the late Sudha Shivpuri as Baa.

But this isn’t just a nostalgia ride—the show has evolved. Today’s Viranis are tech-savvy, party-hopping, and selfie-obsessed. Yet, Tulsi remains the grounded soul of the family. She’s calm when the youngsters sneak in from late-night outings and continues to be the idealistic pillar she once was.

Meanwhile, Gayatri Virani’s envy toward Tulsi's hold over the household and Mihir's business empire brews quietly. Her attempts to manipulate her son Hemant into opposing Tulsi fall flat—he remains loyal to his Tulsi bhabhi.