On July 3, 2025, the iconic Indian television show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi marked its 25th anniversary, celebrating a monumental milestone since its premiere on Star Plus in 2000. Produced by Balaji Telefilms and conceptualized by Ekta Kapoor, this Hindi soap opera redefined prime-time television, introducing the Virani family and cementing the saas-bahu genre as a cultural phenomenon. Starring Smriti Irani as Tulsi Virani and Amar Upadhyay as Mihir Virani, the show ran for eight years, amassing 1,833 episodes and achieving unprecedented double-digit TRPs. This comprehensive exploration delves into the show’s legacy, cast reflections, upcoming reboot, cultural impact, and viewership records, offering a detailed tribute to a series that remains etched in the hearts of millions.
The Birth of a Television Legend
Launched on July 3, 2000, alongside Kaun Banega Crorepati, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi emerged as a game-changer for Star Plus. Originally titled Amma, the show was renamed on the suggestion of actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar, with Ekta Kapoor adding the prefix “Kyunki” to align with her signature K-factor branding. Filmed primarily in Mumbai’s Film City, with additional shoots in Powai, Kandivali, and international locations like Sydney, Australia, and Switzerland, the series captivated audiences with its blend of family drama, melodrama, and cultural traditions. The narrative centered on Tulsi Virani, the ideal daughter-in-law of the wealthy Virani family, navigating complex familial relationships under the matriarchal gaze of Baa (played by Sudha Shivpuri) and Savita Virani (played by Apara Mehta).
The show’s premiere episode introduced Tulsi, a pandit’s daughter, married to Mihir, grandson of business tycoon Govardhan Virani. Its compelling storytelling, rooted in Indian family values, resonated deeply, making it a household ritual. By May 2001, the series peaked at an astonishing 22.4 TRP, a record unmatched by subsequent shows in its 10–11 p.m. slot, as noted by The Indian Express. The title track, composed by Naresh Sharma, became synonymous with Indian households, evoking nostalgia even today.
Cast Reflections: Smriti Irani, Amar Upadhyay, and Ekta Kapoor
The 25th anniversary prompted heartfelt reflections from the show’s key figures. Smriti Irani, who earned five consecutive Indian Television Academy Awards for her portrayal of Tulsi, shared an emotional Instagram post on July 3, 2025, featuring a throwback photo with Sudha Shivpuri and Apara Mehta. She wrote, “25 years ago, a story entered Indian homes and quietly became part of countless lives. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi wasn’t just a show—it was emotion, memory, ritual”. Irani, now a prominent political figure, credited the show for shaping her career and connecting generations.
Amar Upadhyay, who played Mihir, described the series as “a mirror to millions of households, reflecting traditions, love, trials, and the changing face of Indian families.” He added, “Being Mihir meant becoming part of people’s daily routines, their emotions, their dinner conversations”. Ekta Kapoor, the creative force behind Balaji Telefilms, expressed, “Kyunki still lives in every beat of my heart. We never imagined Tulsi would become family to millions”. These reflections underscore the show’s enduring emotional resonance, amplified by posts on X from @indiaforums and @TimesNow celebrating the milestone.
Cultural Impact: Redefining Indian Television
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi revolutionized Indian television by establishing the saas-bahu genre, which dominated prime-time slots for over a decade. The show’s portrayal of family dynamics, traditional values, and emotional conflicts struck a chord with audiences, making it a cultural reference point. Its depiction of festivals like Diwali and Navratri, combined with high-stakes drama, created a winning formula, as noted by The Tribune: “It was a winning combination of piety and family, packaged with drama and melodrama”. The series inspired subsequent hits like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kasautii Zindagii Kay, forming Star Plus’s iconic big three in the 2000s.
Despite criticism for reinforcing rigid gender roles and melodramatic tropes, as highlighted by an IMDb review calling it “regressive and damaging”, the show’s influence on Indian pop culture is undeniable. It set a benchmark for viewership ratings, entering the Limca Book of Records as the first Indian soap to cross 1,000 episodes. Its crossovers with Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii in 2007–08 further boosted its popularity, creating memorable television moments.
Viewership Records and Awards
The show’s ratings dominance was unparalleled. From 2000 to 2007, it consistently ranked among the top five programs, peaking at 22.4 TRP in May 2001. Even during a generational leap in June 2007, when Smriti Irani was temporarily replaced by Gautami Kapoor as Tulsi, the series maintained 6.66 TVR overall, though ratings dipped to 4.5 TVR during this period. The final episode on November 6, 2008, garnered 5.4 million viewers, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Kyunki swept major awards, with Smriti Irani winning five consecutive Best Actress-Popular Awards (2001–2005) at the Indian Television Academy Awards and two Indian Telly Awards. The series itself secured Best Continuing Series at the Indian Telly Awards for six consecutive years (2002–2007) and Best Serial (Popular) from 2001 to 2005. These accolades reflect the show’s unmatched influence on Indian television.
The Reboot: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Excitement surrounds the reboot, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, set to premiere on Star Plus on July 3, 2025, in the iconic 10:30 p.m. slot. Announced by Ekta Kapoor on April 9, 2025, the 150-episode limited series aims to complete the original’s journey to 2,000 episodes, falling 150 episodes short in 2008. Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay reprise their roles as Tulsi and Mihir, joined by Shakti Anand as Hemant Virani, as confirmed by @indiaforums. Filming is underway at Film City, Mumbai, maintaining the original’s aesthetic, with new characters and a 20-year leap introducing fresh drama.
The reboot has displaced Jhanak to a late-night slot, signaling Star Plus’s confidence in the revival’s draw. Ekta Kapoor teased a blend of “politics and entertainment,” hinting at Tulsi’s evolved role, possibly reflecting Irani’s real-life political career. Social media buzz, including posts from @Bollyhungama and @TellyTalkIndia, reflects anticipation for the return of the Virani parivaar.
Challenges and Criticisms
While celebrated, Kyunki faced criticism for its melodramatic excess and regressive portrayals. An IMDb reviewer described it as “a never-ending circus” that pushed “toxic family dynamics” and “rigid gender roles,” arguing it lacked nuance. The show’s multiple generational leaps, such as the 2006 leap introducing characters like Eklavya (played by Akashdeep Saighal), drew mixed reactions, with some fans decrying the “utter crap” of later storylines. Despite this, the acting prowess of Smriti Irani, Sudha Shivpuri, and Apara Mehta was universally praised, with Irani’s ability to evoke audience emotions noted on Reddit: “When Tulsi cried, the audience cried”.
Streaming and Accessibility
Fans can relive the original series on Disney+ Hotstar, which hosts the first three seasons, though availability varies by region. The Star Plus YouTube channel offers select episodes from the 2022 rerun, but some links, particularly pre-2023, are non-functional. The reboot will air on Star Plus and stream on Disney+ Hotstar, with Utsav Plus potentially broadcasting in the UK at 10:30 p.m.. For updates, fans can follow @StarPlus or @BalajiTelefilms on social media.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi remains a cultural touchstone, shaping how Indian families viewed relationships and resilience. Its 25th anniversary celebrations, amplified by Smriti Irani’s viral Instagram post and Ekta Kapoor’s heartfelt note, underscore its lasting impact. The reboot promises to blend nostalgia with modern storytelling, potentially addressing past criticisms by offering more nuanced characters. As Star Plus continues to innovate with spin-offs like Ishani, Kyunki’s legacy endures, connecting generations through the timeless saga of the Virani family.
A Timeless Television Saga
The 25th anniversary of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi on July 3, 2025, celebrates a series that transformed Indian television. From its record-breaking TRPs to its iconic characters like Tulsi and Mihir, the show remains a cultural milestone. The reboot, featuring Smriti Irani, Amar Upadhyay, and Shakti Anand, promises to reignite nostalgia while introducing new drama. As fans revisit episodes on Disney+ Hotstar and anticipate the second season, Kyunki continues to embody the heart of Indian storytelling, proving that some stories are not just watched—they are lived.
