Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 2025: Tulsi Returns to Shantiniketan

Overview and Theme

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2 arrives as the much-anticipated sequel to one of India’s most iconic television dramas. Launching on 29 July 2025, the storyline picks up several years later and centers around Tulsi Virani, now a matriarchal grandmother offering emotional and moral guidance to her sprawling family. The genre remains rooted in drama, with rich doses of interpersonal conflict, layered narratives, and a tapestry of social themes. These include changing gender roles, generational tensions, the essence of traditional values, and the struggle to balance personal aspirations with family expectations.

While not drawn from any specific historical event, the web series reflects the evolving contours of Indian society, particularly the fabric of joint families, societal pressures, and domestic dilemmas. It continues to portray the nuanced emotional world that Indian households are often characterized by—holding up a mirror to many real-life experiences.

Special Highlights

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2 distinguishes itself as a cultural moment rather than just a television release. Arriving almost 17 years after the original series wrapped up, the reboot coincides with its silver jubilee, commemorating 25 years since the original debut. This season is designed as a finite series of approximately 150 episodes, departing from the never-ending format that once defined Indian soap operas. The writing is tighter, the drama more measured, and the message centered more on social reflection than sensationalism.

The return of legacy actors, especially Smriti Irani as Tulsi Virani, gives the series emotional weight. Meanwhile, new faces inject freshness into the narrative, presenting younger perspectives. Ekta Kapoor’s creative direction steers the series toward relevance rather than nostalgia, emphasizing contemporary themes over past formulas.

One of the most talked-about aspects is Smriti Irani’s return to acting after serving in politics for over a decade. Her involvement has sparked national curiosity and dominated media coverage since the teaser dropped. According to reports, she is the highest-paid actress on Indian television today, with earnings of ₹14 lakhs per episode. The original series famously set television records, including a nationwide uproar over the fictional death of Mihir Virani—a moment in pop culture history that reinforced the emotional grip of the show on its viewers.

Cast and Crew

The main cast features a powerful blend of returning veterans and emerging talents. Smriti Irani reprises her role as Tulsi Virani, arguably one of the most memorable characters in Indian television history. Amar Upadhyay returns as Mihir Virani, alongside Hiten Tejwani as Karan Virani, and Gauri Pradhan as Nandini Virani. These actors played pivotal roles in the original run and are now seen portraying aged, wiser characters who navigate their responsibilities within the family.

Supporting cast members from the original show such as Shakti Anand as Hemant Virani, Ketaki Dave as Daksha Virani, Ritu Seth as Shobha Virani, and Kamalika Guha as Gayatri Virani add a sense of continuity and cultural rootedness.

The new generation of actors introduces characters like Angad Virani played by Rohit Suchanti, Pari Virani portrayed by Shagun Sharma, and Hrithik Virani brought to life by Aman Gandhi. Additional fresh characters include Vrinda Patel, Vardaan Patel, and Anandi Patel, played by Tanisha Mehta, Ankit Bhatia, and Prachi Singh respectively.

Ekta Kapoor leads the production as the chief creative force, with Shobha Kapoor co-producing under Balaji Telefilms. The theme music is composed by Priya Bhattacharya, while the director’s name has yet to be disclosed. Together, the team brings renewed energy and legacy wisdom to the revived series.

Audience Expectations and Early Reviews

The lead-up to the premiere has been marked by a wave of nostalgia and anticipation. Viewers who grew up with the original series express sentimental excitement, particularly among audiences aged 30 and above. Social media platforms have been abuzz with scenes from the trailer, including moments of Tulsi performing traditional rituals and addressing family conflicts. Critics have responded positively to the reboot’s modern outlook, praising its thoughtful adaptation rather than simply relying on past formulae.

Hiten Tejwani commented that this series aims to rekindle the emotional experience of the original while staying grounded in current societal norms. The show’s tone is more subdued, avoiding excessive melodrama and instead portraying more realistic family dialogues and moral dilemmas.

Initial ratings and reviews from digital platforms are still pending, with IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes yet to post aggregated scores. However, user polls on television forums and entertainment news outlets show a strong inclination among viewers to tune in on premiere night. The return of Smriti Irani alone is expected to draw substantial viewership and media coverage.

Where to Watch

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2 will be available on multiple platforms, ensuring wide accessibility. The television broadcast will be carried by Star Plus, airing every night at 10:30 PM Indian Standard Time. For digital viewers, the series will stream exclusively on JioCinema, which has recently rebranded from its earlier avatar JioHotstar.

The original run of the series, which featured over 1,800 episodes, is also available on JioCinema for viewers who wish to relive or discover the complete legacy leading up to Season 2.

For now, the show is released only in Hindi and is regionally restricted to India. There are no confirmed announcements about international releases, dubbed versions, or multilingual accessibility. Subtitles and closed captions are expected to be added in future updates, especially based on viewer demand and international interest.

Release Timing and Cultural Context

The premiere is deliberately timed to mark the 25-year anniversary of the original show’s debut, which aired in July 2000. This silver jubilee presents a golden opportunity to honor the cultural impact the series has had over the decades.

The timing also reflects the shift in Indian entertainment preferences. While OTT platforms now dominate viewership habits, family dramas rooted in tradition continue to find loyal audiences. The series launches during a period of cultural transition, where younger generations are reassessing familial norms, responsibilities, and social structures. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2 uses this dynamic as a narrative backdrop, making it both a sequel and a social commentary.

Adding symbolic resonance to the release, Smriti Irani and Ekta Kapoor made a pilgrimage to Nathdwara Temple just days before the premiere, a move seen as both spiritual preparation and homage to the roots of the show. Whether this is marketing genius or genuine devotion, it deepens the emotional narrative around the series and connects it to traditional values.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2 promises to be much more than a nostalgic reboot—it is a cultural milestone that aims to redefine family drama on Indian television. With strong performances, layered storytelling, and socially relevant themes, the show offers a mix of emotional depth and moral complexity for both longtime fans and new audiences.

If you’re someone who has grown up watching the original series or if you're simply curious about the way television can reflect societal change, Season 2 is a must-watch. Whether you tune in for Tulsi’s wisdom or the fresh perspectives of the younger characters, the show invites deep engagement and reflection.

We’d love to hear what you think. Have your views on family and tradition evolved over the years? Do you relate more to Tulsi’s values or the new generation’s challenges? Share your thoughts, reactions, and predictions in the comments below and let’s celebrate the revival of one of India’s most beloved television sagas.