The popular television serial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has returned to TV screens and with it the tale of how its lead actress, Smriti Irani, got the role that catapulted her to fame. While everyone had till now been under the impression that Ektaa Kapoor, the producer of the show, had cast Smriti as Tulsi Virani, the actual credit lies with Ektaa’s mother, Shobha Kapoor.
Smriti Irani Was Cast Due To Ektaa Kapoor’s Mom
Ektaa Kapoor and Smriti Irani recently did an Instagram Live on Star Plus’ official page, where they spoke about the show’s journey. While chatting, Ektaa revealed an interesting fact: it was her mother who saw Smriti working on another show and insisted that she be cast.
“My mother had watched Smriti on a show and was taken by her,” Ektaa described. “She phoned me and said she had seen a very nice girl who looked like Twinkle Khanna and said, ‘You just have to cast her.'” Smriti noted that the show Shobha watched her on was also on Star Plus. She had filled in for another person that day, replacing a friend of Ektaa’s who hadn’t made it.
Ektaa admitted that while she supported Smriti’s audition, not everyone on the team was convinced. “She was very quiet and reserved during the audition. But when she smiled at the end of it, there was something so genuine about her.” Smriti revealed that Ektaa was the only person who truly believed in her potential at that time.
First airing in 2000, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi went on to become a cultural phenomenon, topping TRP charts and redefining Indian family dramas. Smriti’s portrayal of Tulsi Virani, the strong and principled daughter-in-law, resonated deeply with audiences across generations.
Now, after 17 years, the show has come back in a new format. The revival was launched on July 29 on Star Plus and can be streamed on JioCinema as well and it airs at 10:30 p.m.
Also Read: Smriti Irani Was Paid ₹1,800 For Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Now Earns THIS Much For The Reboot!