Smriti Irani's Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: Limited to Just 20 Episodes?

Mumbai, India - The eagerly anticipated return of "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" (KSBKBT) has sent waves of excitement and nostalgia across Indian households. With Smriti Irani reprising her iconic role as Tulsi Virani, fans are buzzing about what the new season holds. However, a significant question has emerged amidst the excitement: Will this comeback be a brief affair, potentially limited to just 20 episodes?

Recent reports suggest that the new season of "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi," marking its 25th anniversary, might indeed be a limited series. While initial speculation hinted at a run of around 150 episodes, sources now indicate a much shorter format, possibly between 10 to 20 episodes. This news, while not officially confirmed by the producers, aligns with statements from producer Ekta Kapoor, who has emphasized a "limited episode" approach with a renewed purpose beyond mere nostalgia.

A Purpose-Driven Comeback, Not Just Nostalgia

Ekta Kapoor has been vocal about her initial hesitation to revive the show, citing the challenge of competing with the strong nostalgia associated with the original. However, she ultimately decided to bring it back with a clear objective: to tell impactful stories that resonate with contemporary audiences and address relevant social issues.

In a recent statement, Kapoor revealed that the new iteration will focus on topics such as parenting, sensitive social issues, and the delicate balance between concern and control within families. She highlighted that the original "Kyunki" wasn't just a daily soap but a catalyst for discussions on issues like domestic abuse and women's empowerment. The limited-episode format is intended to allow for focused storytelling that aims to "impact, entertain, probe thoughts, and most importantly, to inspire."

Smriti Irani's Return to the Small Screen

The return of Smriti Irani as Tulsi Virani is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws. The first look, showing her in a traditional maroon saree, instantly brought back memories for millions. Irani herself expressed that her return is "not just a step back into a role, but a return to a story that redefined Indian television and reshaped my own life."

Amar Upadhyay, who played the beloved Mihir Virani, has also begun shooting, adding to the excitement of seeing the iconic on-screen couple reunite after 25 years.

What to Expect from "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2"

The new season is scheduled to premiere on July 29th at 10:30 PM on Star Plus, its original time slot. It will also be available for streaming on JioHotstar. While the episode count remains a topic of discussion, the focus appears to be on a concise yet powerful narrative. Fans can anticipate a show that blends the beloved elements of the original with a modern sensibility, aiming to provide a proper closure to the audience after its abrupt ending in 2008.

Whether "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" runs for 20 episodes or slightly more, its return signifies a significant moment for Indian television, bringing back a cultural phenomenon with a renewed mission to engage and inspire.

 

Yesteryear hit Jodi Karisma Kapoor and Govinda reunite for a dance reality show!

In 90’s, Karisma Kapoor and Govinda made for a crackling onscreen pair. It wasn’t easy to match their level of quirkiness and energy when it comes to dancing.

For those missing them, Karisma Kapoor and Govinda will soon be seen shaking a leg on a dance reality show. Karisma posted a few photos of the duo dancing on their hit tracks.

Govinda and Karisma performed on their hit tracks like Husn hai Suhana, Main To Raste Se Ja Raha Tha, What Is Mobile Number and Sona Kitna Sona Hai among others.

The twosome has shared screen space in movies like Coolie No 1, Hero No 1, Haseena Maan Jayegi and Raja Babu among others. 

Divyanka Tripathi feels lucky to have Vivek Dahiya as her husband!

TV star Vivek Dahiya is definitely one of the true gentlemen of TV Industry. The handsome actor who is head over heels in love with his wife Divyanka Tripathi, had lately been to Europe for his much romantic honeymoon. It was here while in the UK where Vivek became extremely sentimental. The actor during his student days, had studied in the UK and has seen every possible struggle as a boy in his growing days. Right from delivering pizzas to that of being a bartender, Vivek has done it all to live in the UK as a student.

"I took up many odd jobs during my college days," told Vivek while speaking to a daily. "The first was as a bartender when I was 18. On my first day at work, I found out that I had to pick up broken bottles and glasses and also mop the floor. I was later promoted to the bar where I learnt how to make drinks." Vivek also worked at a tissue paper factory and found the work there to monotonous. "After that, I joined a retail store and then a call center. But, around 60-70 of us were laid off after recession struck. I was left with no choice but to take up whatever came my way and became a pizza delivery boy. By the end of the day, my car used to smell of pizzas. I could never get rid of the smell and eventually, had to sell the car at a discounted rate!"

He further told, "During my honeymoon, I went back to the pizza parlour where I used to work. One of my former colleagues, the only one who was still working there, asked me, 'Aren't you the guy who used to deliver pizzas in the luxury car?' I was glad to be part of a society where people don't look down on you because of your job. I don't believe that any job is big or small." 

The actor is definitely self-made. Divyanka while speaking to us had stated how Vivek values everything in his life and is really broad minded. She was in complete awe of her husband when she spoke about him at length during their first engagement anniversary.

Hina Khan shares her beautiful dance movies and sugary singing!

The beautiful Hina Khan is unquestionably one of the cutest faces of TV Inddustry. Famously remembered as Akshara of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, the actress' presence is still felt on the show even four months of her quit.

But it looks, Hina is in the most peaceful phase of life. The actress recently took to Instagram to share a video clip of herself dancing her heart out on a popular Bollywood song. She captioned it as, "Coming soon." Seen in the video is Hina dancing along with a team of dancers that looks as if it is a rehearsal of her performance at an upcoming event. Well, rumours also have it that the actress along with her beau Rocky Jaiswal has been approached for Nach Baliye. Also not many know that Hina is a very melodious singer. The actress who was at the Facebook India office recently, sung a beautiful song. It was requested by a fan of hers while her live chat session with them. Apart from being naturally beautiful, the actress is definitely a fine singer as well. What say?!

In the meantime, Hina is on a complete travelling spree ever since she quit her hit show. The pretty lass just a few days ago had headed towards Ajmer Sharif and the iconic Taj Mahal. While speaking to us about her comeback, Hina specified, "Yes, I am reading a few scripts and production houses are approaching me. But I will be taking my own time to finalise. I don't want to rush into coming back. I want to make it a better one with something really good. " So is she fine with playing super-fictional characters as well?! "Oh Yes! I am open to doing any character that comes across, I have been very clear about that," she told.

Coming soon

Veteran actress Tanuja’s TV debut with Star Plus' show Aarambh!

The tendency of television actors making their debut on the big screen has been going on for quite some time now. Actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Balan, Prachi Desai, Sushant Singh Rajput made their Bollywood debut after becoming a household name with their TV shows.

Now, the reverse trend has started with movie stars trying their hand on TV. We saw Amrita Rao making her debut with the show Meri Aawaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai and then Shabana Azmi in Amma.

Now, as per an entertainment website, channel Star Plus is launching a big drama show produced by Goldie Behl. According reports, model-turned-actor Rajniesh Duggall has been roped as the main lead.

And now, the makers have approached veteran actress Tanuja to essay a pivotal role in the show. This will be her television debut in the show based on the clash between the Dravidians and Aryans.

The show has been seemingly titled Aarambh.

Well, I am glad that I am out of the house before all that starts, says Karan Mehra on Hina Khan in Bigg Boss rumour!

TV star Karan Mehra getting evicted at an early stage of Bigg Boss 10 was something no one had anticipated! Though he's out now, the actor tells that he got to learn a lot from the experience.

Well, now that Hina Khan has also opted out of her hit show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, there has been news of her all set to participate in the reality show Bigg Boss.

We asked from Karan aka the ex Naitik of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai post his eviction and poked him whether the entire Yeh Rishta now plans to join Bigg Boss soon. *Of course, Pun intended*. "Well, I am glad that I am out of the house before all that starts. So everybody is most welcome to go and make a fool out of themselves. Now I am better off happy outside, “quipped Karan.

"But well I don't know how much of it is true since I myself have come out now after 35 days of my Bigg Boss stint. I cannot confirm or be sure of what is happening at their end. It would be stupid of me to do so," further added Mehra.

Drashti-Arjun starrer TV show Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil to begin in place Siya Ke Ram from November 7!

TV star Drashti Dhami and Arjun Bijlani's much-anticipated Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil at last got its inauguration date. The show will replace Star Plus' myth drama Siya Ke Ram. The Balaji Telefilms’ daily will air from 7 November at the 8 pm slot.

TV serial Siya Ke Ram, that launched last year, will at last end with Siya and Ram (Madirakshi Mundle and Ashish Sharma) uniting. A source revealed, “Siya Ke Ram will end on a logical end as planned and Ekta’s new offering will take its slot. Siya Ke Ram got amazing response from audiences and the channel is positive about Pardes getting equal love.”

Apart from Drashti and Arjun, Laksha Lalwani will essay the other lead.

Hiten Tejwani’s happiness is noticeable due to sharing screen with Sanaya Irani for Meenu Mausi!

The update of Sanaya Irani to star in Star Plus' next Meenu Mausi has become the talk of the town ever since the news broke out. Actor Hiten Tejwani has been roped in to essay a titular character of Sanaya's brother-in-law made the viewers beam with happiness.

Hiten was present at the trailer launch of the actor's forthcoming Bollywood move Saansein. In a honest chat, Hiten told how happy he was to share screen with Sanaya. "She is a lovely girl! So full of life! It always a pleasure working with her," told Hiten.

Further, on asking more about his role in Meenu Mausi, Hiten told, "I will be seen playing the role of Sanaya's brother-in-law. The relationship of the brother & sister-in-law that has been portrayed beautifully is just wonderful and emotional. Somewhere, Sanaya's reel- sister is her support. But it's also her jiju that is me, who is directly or indirectly the staunch pillar of support for Sanaya in the serial. It is beautiful, "said Hiten.

Presently, Hiten is all geared for his forthcoming movie, Saansein starring Rajneish Duggal and Sonarika Bhadoria.