The television phenomenon Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is all set for a grand return, marking 25 years since it first aired and redefined Indian television. As the industry and fans gear up for the show’s new season, creative director Nivedita Basu—who was an integral part of the original team—takes a walk down memory lane, reflecting on the cultural craze, behind-the-scenes hustle, and timeless moments that made Kyunki a household staple.
Originally aired on July 3, 2000, the Ekta Kapoor-produced show became a game-changer, setting the tone for prime-time Indian soaps. It catapulted actors like Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay to stardom and gave birth to an entire generation of daily dramas that would follow its format.
“Television was the only medium back then. There was no OTT, very few films, and the entire country tuned into the same shows. We didn’t even have social media, yet Kyunki’s popularity was unmatched,” Basu shares.
She recalls how everyday experiences mirrored the show’s influence: “Ekta and I would walk to Siddhivinayak, and people—sometimes elders—would fall at her feet. That was the impact. When we climbed up to our homes, we’d hear the title track playing in every house. You just knew the whole country was watching.”
While the show’s reach was historic, producing it came with its own challenges. With 32 actors on the roster, coordinating mega-tracks became a logistical nightmare.
“Most of the cast was simultaneously doing other shows or performing on stage. Getting them all together was a Herculean task,” Basu recalls.
But logistics aside, the pressure to creatively deliver was immense. “When we planned a big track, it wasn’t just for TRPs. We knew top film directors, critics, and the industry would be watching and sending us feedback. That added to the pressure.”
And the pay-off? Historic viewership. “When Mihir came back, the TRP hit 27. That’s massive—more than what many channels combined would get even today.”
Among the many unforgettable twists, Mihir’s “death” remains one of the most talked-about. Basu reveals the brilliance behind that episode: “Ekta had this genius idea to end the episode with Amar’s real birthdate and the date his character died. People were crying, some thought Amar had actually died. We had to call him into the office just to reassure people he was alive!”
On the show being labelled “regressive,” Basu offers a strong rebuttal.
“It’s ironic. People said we were regressive, but our male actors often felt the show was too progressive! Our women led the story. We addressed issues like euthanasia, widow remarriage, marital rape, and even a mother killing her own son. We always kept human sentiments in mind but never shied away from bold subjects.”
One of the most intense storylines involved Tulsi (Smriti Irani) shooting her own son Ansh, a moment that resonated deeply with viewers.
“It was crafted so convincingly that the entire country rooted for her. Even on the streets, people would tell us their own daughter-in-law was worse,” she adds, laughing.
Back in the early 2000s, sets of Balaji Telefilms resembled a creative war room. “It felt like a factory. Meetings on one floor, shoots on another. Actors barely slept. We barely slept. But the energy was electric,” Basu remembers fondly.
And in the absence of social media, fan interactions were intense and very physical. “Crowds would line up outside the gate. Ekta’s car would struggle to get in. People just wanted to touch her. That’s how iconic the show had become.”
Now a producer herself, Nivedita Basu remains grateful to have been part of a legacy that still resonates with audiences.
The silver jubilee of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi will soon see the return of Smriti Irani as Tulsi, with a new season being readied to introduce the story to a new generation. The first look of the revived show is expected to drop today.
As Indian television embraces nostalgia with a modern touch, one thing is clear—Kyunki isn’t just a show, it’s an emotion.
