Almost 25 years since she first depicted the legendary character of Tulsi Virani, actress and politician Smriti Irani is reprising the small screen in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2.
With the buzz building for the return of the historic TV serial, Irani talked about the unique touch provided by National Award-winning textile designer Gaurang Shah, whose handloom weaves will dominate her character's wardrobe.
Gaurang Shah has not only created sarees, he has crafted stories, custom, and contemporary into each thread. For Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, his creations brought to life the essence of Indian craft through the skill of our weavers," Irani reminisced on how the designer helped in the visual narrative of the show.
For the promotional teaser, Shah designed a gentle chiffon Kanjeevaram saree for Smriti, fusing heritage techniques with an understated contemporary sheen.
The actress went on to laud his creativity, stating, "A timeless blend of heritage and modern thinking, his designs are nothing less than magic on fabric."
The wardrobe for Tulsi’s return is a vibrant tapestry of traditional Indian textiles. From light-as-air chiffon Kanjeevarams to vivid silk Bandhanis dyed by hand, and from bold ikkat patterns to intricate Jamdani weaves, each piece has been curated to reflect the depth of the character and the legacy she carries.
“It has been a true delight to weave for Smriti Irani, a woman who, through Tulsi, became a symbol of strength, grace, and icon for countless Indian women. Tulsi represents every woman who holds on to her values while moving with the times,” said Gaurang Shah, acknowledging Irani’s enduring screen presence.
Speaking about the philosophy behind the designs, Shah added, “These weaves aren’t just clothes, they carry stories, just like she does.” He further noted, “We’re continuing to weave for what’s ahead, each piece taking shape as the story does.”
First broadcast between 2000 and 2008, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi went on to become one of India's favorite television sagas. Focused around Tulsi, the dutiful daughter-in-law of the powerful Virani family, it raised issues of tradition, family, and survival. The marriage between her and Mihir, the grandson of patriarch Govardhan Virani, was the basis of the drama.
The series not only made Smriti Irani a household name but also proved instrumental in defining producer Ekta Kapoor's career, ultimately giving rise to other successful serials such as Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kasautii Zindagii Kay.
Returning along with Irani in this much-awaited sequel is Amar Upadhyay, who will return as Mihir Virani. The cast will also include Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, Shakti Anand, Kamalika Guha Thakurta, Shagun Sharma, Rohit Suchanti, Aman Gandhi, Ankit Bhatia, and Tanisha Mehta.
