Tulsi is back: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi returns to Star Plus

It’s not nostalgia it’s television déjà vu. After 25 years, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is making its return to Indian TV screens, and so is its iconic lead, Tulsi Virani —played by none other than Union Minister Smriti Irani. The reboot of the Ekta Kapoor-produced show will premiere on Star Plus on July 29 at 10:30 PM, with digital streaming on JioHotstar.

This comes 25 years after the original series debuted in 2000 and ran till 2008, reshaping prime-time entertainment with over 1,800 episodes and cementing its place in pop culture.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by StarPlus (@starplus)

Smriti Irani returns to her breakout role
While her political career made it seem unlikely, Irani surprised fans by reprising her role in a recent promo. Clad in a maroon saree reminiscent of her original look, Irani’s comeback created a social media stir. In her words:

“Returning to Kyunki... is not just a step back into a role, but a return to a story that redefined Indian television and reshaped my own life. It gave me more than commercial success—it gave me a connection with millions of homes.”

Generational pull and a late-night sweet spot
In a clever nod to its multigenerational legacy, the promo features a grown man reminiscing about watching the show with his mother — a moment that reflects the real-life nostalgia of many Indian viewers. The timing, 10:30 PM, may seem late, but aligns with modern viewing habits. In an era where dinner often starts late and streaming habits have blurred time slots, this scheduling could be well-positioned to capture both loyalists and new fans.

High advertiser confidence
The reboot isn’t just a sentimental gamble — it's a strategic bet. Backed by major brands, the show has already onboarded Tide (P&G) as the presenting sponsor, with Fortune Refined Soyabean Oil and Colgate as co-powered by sponsors on TV. For the digital leg, Fortune Chakki Atta has signed on as co-powered by sponsor.

So, as Tulsi steps back into Indian living rooms, one question lingers — in today’s viewing landscape, where content is instant, interactive, and always on-demand, will nostalgia be enough? Or is there still space for Tulsi in a new generation of family drama?