Television czarina Ekta Kapoor initially had strong reservations about bringing back her iconic show, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, stating that “you can never compete with nostalgia.”
A Hesitant Return
Twenty-five years after its initial premiere, the much-loved daily soap starring Smriti Irani as Tulsi Virani is set to return to StarPlus and JioHotstar on July 29. However, producer Ekta Kapoor admits her first reaction to the idea was “a firm no!”
Kapoor was concerned about shaking up the show’s legacy and the power of nostalgia. She also noted how much the television landscape has changed since Kyunki’s original run, with audiences now consuming content across various platforms.
Beyond TRPs: The True Legacy
Initially, Ekta questioned if Kyunki’s legacy was merely its unprecedented TRP numbers. However, a deeper reflection, and research by an international body, revealed the show’s profound social impact.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, alongside Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, empowered women in Indian homes. Between 2000 and 2005, it influenced women to actively participate in family discussions, a significant shift in household dynamics.
The show also served as a global ambassador for Indian storytelling. It courageously brought sensitive topics like domestic and marital rape, age shaming, and euthanasia into everyday conversations at dinner tables across the country. This, Ekta realized, was the true and lasting legacy of the series.
A Purposeful Revival
The abrupt ending of the original series also lingered in Ekta’s mind, feeling unfinished. Discussions with Kevin Vaz (CEO, Jio Star) and other network heads led her to reconsider the revival.
Ekta questioned if the show could return to its roots, addressing important social issues rather than solely chasing ratings. She pondered if television could still be a powerful platform to change mindsets and spark meaningful conversations about topics we often shy away from, such as parenting or the balance between concern and control.
The thought of using India’s most integrated platform to educate and entertain, encouraging families to converse, ultimately convinced her. She decided to bring the show back with a renewed purpose.
What to Expect
The revived Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi will return with limited episodes. The goal is to celebrate its 25-year milestone with an intent to impact, entertain, probe thoughts, and inspire.
Ekta emphasized that the new run will aim to be relatable and inclusive, without being preachy. It’s about focusing on impact rather than competing with past achievements or nostalgia.
- Ekta Kapoor initially said “no” to the revival, fearing competition with nostalgia.
- The show’s true legacy is its social impact, giving a voice to women and addressing sensitive topics.
- The return aims to spark conversations and influence mindsets, focusing on purposeful storytelling.
- The new run will feature limited episodes, prioritizing impact and entertainment.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which originally ran for 1,833 episodes between 2000 and 2008, redefined Indian family dramas. Its return seeks to build on that influential history, promising a blend of heartfelt emotions and engaging discussions for a new generation.
