Ekta Kapoor Celebrates 26 Years of Iconic Drama 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' with Heartfelt Note

Producer and TV czarina Ekta Kapoor is celebrating a major milestone in her career, marking 26 years since the launch of her iconic television drama 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'. The show, which first aired on July 3, 2000, revolutionized the Indian television landscape and remains one of the most beloved and enduring family dramas in the country's broadcasting history.

To commemorate this occasion, Ekta Kapoor took to social media to express her gratitude to the talented team behind the show, including writer Sameer sir, Star Plus, Balaji Telefilms, and the entire cast, with a special mention to Smriti Irani, who played the lead role of Tulsi Virani. Ekta's heartfelt note was accompanied by a special video montage from the show, highlighting some of its most memorable moments.

Smriti Irani, who reprised her role as Tulsi in the show's reprise version in 2025, responded to Ekta's post, calling the experience 'a lifetime of memories'. The actress's comment echoed the sentiments of many who have been part of the show's journey over the years, including Parakh Madan, who essays the role of Niyati, and Ritu Chaudhary Seth, who played Shobha in the show.

'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' is widely regarded as one of the most influential family dramas in Indian television history. The show's impact can be attributed to its engaging storyline, which revolved around the Virani family, and the strong characters that drove the narrative forward. The ensemble cast, which included Amar Upadhyay, Ronit Roy, Sudha Shivpuri, Apara Mehta, Mandira Bedi, Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, and Mouni Roy, among others, played a significant role in making the show a massive success.

The show's first season, which ran for eight years, was marked by several landmark episodes that became historic moments in Indian television history. One of the most memorable storylines was the return of Mihir Virani, played by Amar Upadhyay, which was made possible by the overwhelming demand from fans who protested his exit from the show. Another notable episode that sparked widespread conversation was Tulsi's decision to shoot dead her own son, Ansh Gujral, who had attempted to sexually assault his wife, Nandini.

The show also tackled complex issues like euthanasia, with Tulsi honoring her mother-in-law Savita Virani's wish to be relieved of her unbearable suffering. This episode ignited a nationwide debate on the emotional and difficult concept of mercy killing, highlighting the show's ability to tackle sensitive topics and spark meaningful conversations.

As 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' continues to entertain audiences with its reprise version, Ekta Kapoor's heartfelt note serves as a reminder of the show's enduring legacy and the impact it has had on Indian television. The show's success is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of television to bring people together and spark meaningful conversations.