If you felt a sudden wave of nostalgia hit you last night, you're not alone. The iconic opening notes of a beloved title track, the familiar sight of a grand family home... yes, it really happened. Ekta Kapoor's blockbuster hit, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, is back on our screens with a brand new story, and it feels like a warm hug from the past.
Key Highlights
- ✓ The legendary show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi returned to TV with a reboot series 25 years after its original debut.
- ✓ Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay have reprised their iconic roles as Tulsi Virani and Mihir Virani, delighting fans.
- ✓ The first episode, which aired on July 29, 2025, was met with an overwhelming wave of nostalgia from viewers.
- ✓ Actor Ronit Roy, who famously played Mihir for eight years, expressed his happiness for the show's return but confirmed he wasn't able to be part of it.
- ✓ The reboot brings back most of the original cast, including Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan as Karan and Nandini.
A Step Back in Time: Welcome to Shanti Niketan Again
The moment Smriti Irani, as the one and only Tulsi Virani, opened the doors to the Virani family mansion, Shanti Niketan, it was like no time had passed at all. For so many of us, this show was a cornerstone of our evenings, a daily ritual that brought the entire family together. And now, 25 years after it first began, the magic is back, airing on Star Plus and JioHotstar.
The first episode of the reboot immediately set a familiar tone. We see Tulsi, now the matriarch firmly at the helm, praying to a tulsi plant and reciting the Gayatri Mantra. The story kicks off on the 38th wedding anniversary of our favourite couple, Tulsi and Mihir. The chemistry between Smriti and her co-star Amar Upadhyay, who returns as the OG Mihir, is just as heartwarming as we all remember.
While we see familiar faces like Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan reprising their roles as the beloved couple Karan and Nandini, the show also introduces a new generation with cast members Rohit Suchanti, Aman Gandhi, and Shagun Sharma. It’s a delicate balance of the old and the new, but the soul of the show feels wonderfully intact.
"Pure Nostalgia": The Internet Explodes with Emotion
As you can imagine, social media absolutely lit up. It seems like everyone who grew up watching the show tuned in, and the reactions have been incredibly emotional and positive. You see, this wasn't just another TV show; for many, it's tied to core memories of childhood and family time. One fan perfectly captured this feeling, writing, "No words can describe the feeling. It’s pure nostalgia. So many real life memories associated with Kyunki. That golden era of television is back."
The comments were just pouring in. Another user wrote, "Sach m purane din wapas aa gaye old is gold Tulsi mihir best best jodi first episode outstanding." It’s clear the on-screen pairing of Tulsi and Mihir is still a massive draw. Someone else affectionately called them, "The Og Couple of 'Ram Ram Jai Raja Ram' the Iconic Theme Tulsi & Mihir are giving soo nostalgic moments." It’s that connection that seems to be hitting home for so many.
One particularly touching comment came from a fan who used to watch the show with her maternal grandmother, who is no longer alive, making the experience deeply personal. Another shared, "Bahut bahut emotional laga. Ham sab chote chote the tab dekhe the aur tulsi ko dekh ke itna acha laga can't describe." It's a testament to the show's power that it can evoke such strong emotions two decades later, especially being the first Part 2 to return after 20 years with the same lead actors.
A Word from a Virani Veteran: Ronit Roy's Take
Of course, when you talk about Mihir Virani, another name comes to mind for millions of fans: Ronit Roy. He famously took over the role from Amar Upadhyay and played the character for a remarkable eight years, becoming a household name. Naturally, everyone was curious about his thoughts on the reboot.
In a recent chat, Ronit expressed his genuine happiness for the show's return. "I am happy that they decided to bring back Kyunki," he told ETimes, adding, "Unfortunately, it did not work out for me, but, of course, Kyunki is a show that has been very close to my heart." It’s a classy and supportive message from an actor who was so integral to the show's legacy. He wished the cast and crew the very best and said he was looking forward to watching it.
Interestingly, Ronit also shared some thoughts on the state of television today. He mentioned that while he's not against doing a long-running show again, he feels "there is still much to be desired on television." He noted that 25 years after he began, the world has changed, and some things on TV need fixing. It's an honest perspective from a seasoned industry veteran.
Can a Classic Thrive in a Modern World?
Here’s the big question on everyone’s mind: can a show rooted in the 2000s find its footing in today's fast-paced, OTT-driven world? The entertainment landscape is a completely different beast now. We have endless choices from all over the globe available at the click of a button. The days of an entire nation being glued to one show at a specific time are largely behind us.
Let's not forget the cultural impact this show had. It achieved true cult status, becoming a pop culture reference in movies like Karan Johar's Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and even making an appearance in Anurag Kashyap's gritty Gangs of Wasseypur. That's how deeply embedded it was in the national consciousness. But nostalgia alone isn't always enough.
We've seen other beloved shows like Kasauti Zindagi Ki, Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, and Khichdi make comebacks, but with varying degrees of success. The makers of Kyunki... are certainly hoping to change that narrative. The reboot does make a few nods to modern times, with mentions of social media and late-night parties, but the core remains family drama. The challenge will be to hook a new generation while satisfying the old guard who tuned in for that pure, unadulterated nostalgia.
Conclusion
The bottom line is, the return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has struck a powerful chord. It's a massive dose of nostalgia that has successfully brought back the warmth and emotion that made it a phenomenon in the first place. The reunion of Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay as Tulsi and Mihir is undeniably the heart of this reboot, and based on the first episode, they haven't missed a beat.
While the show faces the modern challenge of competing in a crowded digital landscape, its initial reception proves one thing: the power of a good story and beloved characters is timeless. For now, fans are just happy to be welcomed back into Shanti Niketan, ready to see what challenges await Tulsi and the Virani family next. It truly feels like an old friend has come home.
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