Can you feel it? That unmistakable wave of nostalgia that hits you when a piece of your childhood comes roaring back. That’s exactly what happened when Ekta Kapoor’s blockbuster hit, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, returned to our screens. With Smriti Irani once again opening the doors to Shanti Niketan, it feels like we’ve traveled back in time. The show that defined an era of television is back with a new story, but with the same beloved faces that once kept entire families glued to their TV sets.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Smriti Irani makes her much-anticipated return to acting as the iconic Tulsi Virani.
- ✓ The reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi brings back the original Tulsi and Mihir, played by Amar Upadhyay, after more than 20 years.
- ✓ The new episodes tackle heavy themes, including body-shaming and age-shaming directed at Tulsi.
- ✓ Fan reactions are overwhelmingly positive, with social media flooded with nostalgic comments about the show's return.
- ✓ The story picks up with Tulsi and Mihir's 38th wedding anniversary, blending the old guard with new cast members.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
The moment the premiere episode began, it was clear this wasn't just another show. The opening scene, with Tulsi Virani praying to a tulsi plant and reciting the Gayatri Mantra, was a direct callback to the original that started it all back in 2000. For millions, it was more than just a title track; it was the sound of an era. The show, which originally ran for a staggering 1,800 episodes until 2008, became a true pop culture phenomenon.
It’s no surprise that fans on social media absolutely erupted with joy. The chemistry between Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay as Tulsi and Mihir is just as heartwarming as ever. One fan perfectly captured the sentiment, writing, "Sach m purane din wapas aa gaye old is gold Tulsi mihir best best jodi first episode outstanding." It’s a feeling shared by many who grew up watching the Virani family saga unfold night after night.
Another viewer pointed out the pure, unadulterated nostalgia, commenting, "Vibe toh wahi hai full of emotions jab title song ke baad background music shuru hua uff pura bachpan." This reboot isn't just about bringing back a show; it's about reviving memories. It’s about families, like those in Smriti Irani's former constituency of Amethi, gathering in groups to watch the premiere, sharing a collective moment of television history repeating itself.
New Drama, Old Misogyny
While the nostalgia is warm and fuzzy, the reboot didn't waste any time diving straight into some heavy, and unfortunately, very realistic drama. The second episode centered around Tulsi and Mihir's wedding anniversary party, but it was far from a happy celebration for our beloved matriarch. The trouble started with a simple saree. Tulsi discovered the one she planned to wear was given to her daughter-in-law, Nandini, and the blouses for her other sarees no longer fit. A relatable moment for many, but one that spiraled quickly.
Weighed down by family expectations, Tulsi ends up wearing an old saree to her own party. The reaction is brutal. Guests immediately start whispering, commenting that she looks "too old to be standing beside Mihir" and that Mihir looks "much fitter than his wife." It's a stark, painful moment of body-shaming and age-shaming that feels all too real. Even the ever-meddling Gayatri Kaki couldn't resist stirring the pot, adding her two cents about the couple's appearances.
As if that wasn't enough, just as she's about to cut the cake, Tulsi gets a frantic call from her son, Angad, who has been in a car accident. She rushes to the police station, only to return to more family conflict. Her daughter, Pari, misreads a situation where Mihir is trying to set her up with a friend's son and lashes out at Tulsi, accusing her of not understanding her children's feelings. The episode proves that even after all these years, Tulsi just can't catch a break.
Can Nostalgia Conquer the Streaming Age?
Here's the big question: can a show that dominated television 25 years ago find its footing in today's world of OTT platforms and on-demand content? The original Kyunki... was so iconic it was referenced in movies like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and even Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur. It was a cultural touchstone. The return has certainly captured the hearts of old-timers, with one fan beautifully stating, "Pehli baar koi serial ka part 2 aya wo bhi 20yrs k baad same actor ko leke serial banaya gya superb."
The reboot features the return of other familiar faces like Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan as Karan and Nandini, alongside new cast members like Rohit Suchanti, Aman Gandhi, and Shagun Sharma. This blend of old and new is a clear attempt to bridge generations. The makers are clearly hoping to do what other reboots like Kasauti Zindagi Ki and Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai struggled to achieve: sustained success.
The setting is familiar, the family dynamics are as complicated as ever, and there are small nods to the modern era with mentions of social media. But the core of the show remains its traditional family drama. Whether that, combined with the powerful pull of nostalgia, will be enough to captivate a younger audience used to slicker, faster-paced global content remains to be seen. For now, it's a fascinating experiment unfolding on Star Plus and JioHotstar every night at 10:30 pm.
Conclusion
So, what's the verdict on the return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi? It’s a powerful, emotional trip back in time that has successfully tapped into a deep well of nostalgia. Seeing Tulsi and Mihir back in Shanti Niketan, navigating family crises and societal pressures, feels both new and incredibly familiar. The show has already proven it's not afraid to tackle difficult, modern issues while staying true to its dramatic roots. The first episodes have been a whirlwind of emotion, proving that the magic that captured a nation two decades ago is very much still alive.
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