Smriti Irani Denies Involvement In Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Spin-Off, Warns Against Viewer Misinformation
Smriti Irani has pushed back against reports linking her to a spin-off of the long-running TV serial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, saying she has no connection to any such project.
The reports, which surfaced over the weekend, claimed Star Plus was developing a new show called Kyunki Rishton Ke Bhi Roop Badalte Hain. The proposed series was said to centre on a younger generation and a contemporary take on changing relationships — speculation that quickly spread across X and Instagram.
Irani, who played the iconic Tulsi Virani on the original show, responded directly to one of the social media posts. “May want to check PR content with authorities that have IP rights. I am not associated with any other show except Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,” she wrote. She followed up with a pointed clarification: “No spin-off program is authorised for my engagement legally, which entitles use of my image and/or personality. Do check so that viewers are not misinformed.”
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, created by Ektaa Kapoor, ran from 2000 to 2008 and left a lasting impression on Indian television. Irani’s Tulsi became a widely recognised portrayal of the ideal Indian daughter-in-law.
The show returned in 2025 with a limited sequel. Original cast members Amar Upadhyay, Ketki Dave, Kamalika Guha Thakurta, Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, and Shakti Anand came back alongside new additions including Rohit Suchanti, Aman Gandhi, Shagun Sharma, and Tanisha Mehta. The reboot airs on Star Plus and streams on JioHotstar, with a planned run of 150 episodes — a fraction of the original’s 1,800-plus.
One episode drew particular attention after Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates appeared on screen. Irani later shared the clip on social media. In it, she and Gates discussed the health and well-being of new mothers, the role Indian traditions play in honouring them, and how children’s health connects to national and global development.