Apara Mehta cooks for Kyunki girl gang after 26 years; Smriti Irani impressed
Synopsis
Twenty-six years after Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi first aired, Apara Mehta cooked a meal for her on-screen family — and Smriti Irani's effusive praise on social media turned a quiet reunion dinner into a nostalgic moment for millions of fans of Indian television's most iconic soap.
Key Takeaways
Apara Mehta hosted and cooked for her Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi co-stars for the first time in 26 years .
Smriti Irani commented on the post calling Apara 'an awesome cook' and suggested a Gujarati culinary and textile heritage-themed get-together.
The reunion included Ritu Chaudhary , Gauri Pradhan , Komalika Guha Thakurta , and other original cast members.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi premiered in July 2000 and ran for approximately eight years .
Apara's character Savita Mansukh Virani and Smriti's Tulsi Virani shared one of the show's most emotionally memorable storylines.
Actress Apara Mehta recently donned the chef's hat for her Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi co-stars, hosting and cooking for the iconic show's girl gang for the first time in 26 years. The warm reunion brought together several original cast members in what fans of the beloved series are calling a delightful throwback to Indian television's golden era.
The Reunion That Warmed the Internet
Apara took to social media to share a glimpse of the gathering, posting a group photograph accompanied by a heartfelt note. 'My Kyunki group of lovely ladies! The OGs, friends for life! It was a pleasure hosting and cooking for you for the first time in so many years! Thank you for coming, and let's keep on having such lovely evenings, filled with lots of laughs, love and good food!' she wrote.
The picture captures the actresses in a warm, candid pose. Apara Mehta can be seen front and centre in a striking red Ikkat outfit, flanked by Smriti Irani, Ritu Chaudhary, Gauri Pradhan, Komalika Guha Thakurta, and several other familiar faces from the long-running drama.
Smriti Irani's Culinary Verdict
Smriti Irani, who became a household name playing the iconic Tulsi Virani on the show, was quick to respond. Commenting on the post, she wrote, 'Appa you are an awesome cook... you need to do the supper theme get together for people who appreciate culinary history and attributes of Gujarat.. they will get an additional peek into textile heritage too.' The comment drew warm reactions from fans, adding a layer of cultural charm to what was already a nostalgic occasion.
About Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi premiered in July 2000 and ran for approximately eight years, becoming one of Indian television's most enduring family dramas. Smriti Irani played the beloved Tulsi Virani, while Apara Mehta portrayed Savita Mansukh Virani — Tulsi's mother-in-law. What began as the quintessential difficult saas-bahu dynamic evolved into one of the show's most nuanced and cherished relationships.
The Storyline Fans Still Talk About
Among the most emotionally charged arcs in the series was Savita's storyline near the end of the first season. After her character was left paralysed following an attack, Savita asks Tulsi to switch off her ventilator, unwilling to continue living in pain. Tulsi eventually complies, leading to an intensely dramatic sequence and a conflict with Mihir that viewers still recall vividly. The track remains one of the most discussed in the show's long history.
This reunion signals that the bonds forged on the sets of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi remain as strong as ever — and if Smriti Irani's enthusiasm is any indication, another gathering may not be far off.
Point of View
Subtly weaving together her entertainment roots and her public persona. In an era of reboots and nostalgia IPs, this gathering will inevitably fuel speculation about whether the franchise has a second life on streaming. Whether or not that happens, the organic warmth on display is exactly the kind of soft cultural moment that cuts through the noise.
NationPress
29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who attended the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi reunion hosted by Apara Mehta?
The gathering included Smriti Irani, Ritu Chaudhary, Gauri Pradhan, Komalika Guha Thakurta, and several other original cast members of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Apara Mehta hosted and cooked for the group for the first time in 26 years.
What did Smriti Irani say about Apara Mehta's cooking?
Smriti Irani commented on Apara's social media post calling her 'an awesome cook' and suggested she host a supper-themed get-together celebrating Gujarati culinary history and textile heritage. The comment went on to draw warm reactions from fans online.
What was Apara Mehta's role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi?
Apara Mehta played Savita Mansukh Virani, Tulsi's mother-in-law, in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Her character began as a difficult mother-in-law figure but evolved into a deeply nuanced relationship with Tulsi over the course of the show.
When did Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi first air and how long did it run?
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi premiered in July 2000 and ran for approximately eight years, becoming one of Indian television's most popular and long-running family dramas. Smriti Irani's portrayal of Tulsi Virani made her a household name.
What is the most memorable storyline involving Apara Mehta and Smriti Irani on the show?
One of the most discussed arcs involved Savita being left paralysed after an attack and asking Tulsi to switch off her ventilator. Tulsi eventually complies, leading to an intensely emotional sequence and a conflict with Mihir that fans still recall as one of the show's most powerful moments.
