Producer Ekta Kapoor marked 26 years of her landmark television drama 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' on 3 July 2025 with a heartfelt tribute, expressing gratitude to actress Smriti Irani, the writing team, and the entire Balaji Telefilms crew for turning the serial into one of Indian television's most enduring institutions.

Ekta Kapoor's Anniversary Message

Sharing a special video montage from the show on Instagram, Kapoor wrote: '26 years ago a show came that changed my life. Thank you Sameer sir, Thank you Star Plus, thank you Balaji team, thank you Tanu, thank you Smriti, thank you to all the actors, and of-course above all thank you to the writers and the team who constantly work at making it what it is. Jai Mata Di.'

Smriti Irani, resharing the post on her own social media account, responded warmly: 'A lifetime of memories @ektarkapoor. Gratitude towards all who made this 26 year journey possible.'

Cast Celebrates the Milestone

Actress Parakh Madan, who essays the role of Niyati in the current reprise, commented, 'Thank you Ekta ma'am for making me a part of this legendary show that has redefined the landscape of Indian television. Thank you for your trust and for giving me the chance to bring this character to life.'

Actress Ritu Chaudhary Seth, who played Shobha in the original run, also marked the occasion with a video post, writing: 'And just like that it's 26 years today to this iconic show that am so proud and lucky to be a part of!!!' She tagged both Ekta Kapoor and Balaji Telefilms in the post.

A Show That Defined an Era

'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' first aired on 3 July 2000 on Star Plus. The family drama centred on Tulsi Virani and the powerful Virani family, featuring an ensemble cast that included Smriti Irani, Amar Upadhyay, Ronit Roy, Sudha Shivpuri, Apara Mehta, Mandira Bedi, Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, and Mouni Roy, among others.

The first season ran for approximately eight years, becoming the longest-running show of its time and one of the most beloved saas-bahu dramas in Indian television history. The on-screen couple of Tulsi and Mihir Virani — played by Irani and Upadhyay respectively — became one of the most iconic pairs of the 2000s.

Landmark Storylines That Sparked National Conversations

Several episodes entered the cultural memory of Indian television. The return of Mihir Virani — brought back by popular demand after viewers across the country protested his exit — remains one of the most talked-about audience interventions in Indian TV history.

A particularly powerful sequence saw Tulsi shoot dead her own son, Ansh Gujral, after he attempted to sexually assault his wife, Nandini, played by Gauri Pradhan. The storyline sparked early mainstream conversations around domestic abuse and marital rape. The show also drew nationwide debate through an emotionally charged euthanasia track, in which Tulsi honoured the dying wish of her bedridden mother-in-law, Savita Virani, played by Apara Mehta.

The show's iconic title track and its signature opening — where Irani's Tulsi walked through the sprawling Shantiniketan mansion, introducing each character in their setting — became one of Indian television's most recognisable sequences.

The Reprise and What's Changed

Twenty-five years after its original premiere, the reprise of 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' went on air in August 2025, with Smriti Irani reprising her role as Tulsi and Amar Upadhyay returning as Mihir. Notably, Apara Mehta, who played Savita Virani in the original, is not part of the current season. The anniversary celebrations underscore how deeply the show continues to resonate — both with the cast that lived it and the audiences that grew up watching it.