Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: Tulsi, Mihir, and Nandini Steal the Spotlight Amid Award Drama
It seems the iconic saga of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi never really ended — not on television and certainly not in the hearts of millions who grew up watching it. Recently, a wave of nostalgia swept over the entertainment world when the show’s unforgettable trio — Tulsi (Smriti Irani), Mihir (Amar Upadhyay), and Nandini (Gauri Pradhan) — reunited on stage at a major television award show.
What began as a touching tribute to one of Indian TV’s greatest hits soon turned into an emotional, laughter-filled, and slightly dramatic evening that had fans and industry insiders buzzing.
A Nostalgic Reunion
No one could have predicted the thunderous applause that filled the auditorium as Smriti Irani, Amar Upadhyay, and Gauri Pradhan walked onto the stage together. The trio, who became household names in the early 2000s, were there to present a special “Legacy of Television” award.
Their presence instantly transported the audience back to the golden era of Indian television — to the grandeur of the Virani mansion, the unforgettable family feuds, and that soulful title track that once stopped the nation in its tracks every evening.
Smriti Irani, now a respected Union Minister but forever remembered as the ideal daughter-in-law Tulsi Virani, looked stunning and confident as she greeted her former co-stars. Amar Upadhyay, who played Mihir — the husband who famously returned from the dead thanks to public demand — was visibly moved by the crowd’s cheers. Gauri Pradhan, elegant as always, added warmth and grace to the reunion.
For fans, it felt like stepping back in time. The chemistry between Tulsi, Mihir, and Nandini was still magnetic — a living reminder of when Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi ruled Indian living rooms and shaped television history.
The Award Night Turns Dramatic
But of course, where the Viranis go, drama follows — on and off the screen.
During their on-stage exchange, things took a slightly playful turn that quickly grabbed everyone’s attention. As Smriti began thanking Ekta Kapoor for creating a show that “redefined Indian television and gave us our careers,” Amar interrupted with a cheeky grin:
“Smriti, you forgot to thank the audience who brought me back from the dead!”
The audience burst into laughter. Smriti quipped back,
“Yes, Mihir, even death couldn’t separate Tulsi and you — that’s the power of TRPs!”
Then, Gauri Pradhan playfully chimed in,
“Let’s not forget Nandini — she was always caught between your drama!”
While the banter appeared lighthearted, a few spectators sensed some underlying tension. Insiders later suggested that the exchange might have subtly hinted at creative differences from the show’s later years, when storylines grew complicated and cast changes sparked behind-the-scenes debates.
A Tribute Filled with Emotion
Soon after, the trio joined hands to celebrate the show’s incredible legacy. A montage of classic moments from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi played on the big screen — Tulsi’s courtroom battles, Mihir’s emotional returns, and Nandini’s tragic love story with Karan.
As the clips rolled, the crowd rose to a standing ovation. Emotions ran high.
Smriti Irani’s voice quivered slightly as she said,
“When I first stepped into Tulsi’s saree, I never imagined this journey would change my life forever. We didn’t just act — we lived these characters. To every woman who saw herself in Tulsi, thank you for keeping her alive in your hearts.”
Amar Upadhyay added with a smile,
“We didn’t have social media back then, but the love was overwhelming. Fans wrote letters, sent gifts, and even protested when Mihir was killed off. That kind of connection — that emotion — is rare today.”
Gauri Pradhan concluded beautifully,
“Shows come and go, but Kyunki wasn’t just a show — it was an emotion that brought families together. Even today, when people call me Nandini, I know the magic still lives on.”
The Drama Behind the Scenes
Just as the applause died down, whispers of a backstage “award mix-up” began to circulate.
Reportedly, Smriti Irani was supposed to receive a “Television Icon” honor that night. However, in a last-minute decision, the award went to another actress. Sources suggested this sudden change might have prompted Amar’s playful jibes earlier on stage.
Though visibly composed, Smriti was said to be taken by surprise. Ever the professional, she redirected attention to celebrating the show’s legacy rather than the controversy. Still, fans online were quick to defend her, calling the decision “unfair” and “disrespectful” to the woman who redefined the Indian TV bahu.
Fans React on Social Media
As soon as the trio’s reunion clips hit the internet, fans went into a nostalgic frenzy. Hashtags like #TulsiMihirNandini and #KyunkiForever began trending within hours.
One fan wrote,
“Seeing Tulsi and Mihir together again gave me goosebumps! My childhood just came rushing back.”
Another commented,
“They don’t make shows like Kyunki anymore. The emotions, the storytelling — it was pure magic.”
Of course, a few users couldn’t resist pointing out the “award-night tension,” joking,
“You can take Tulsi out of the Virani house, but drama will always follow her!”
Ekta Kapoor’s Silent Acknowledgment
Producer Ekta Kapoor, who was present at the ceremony, tactfully avoided addressing the rumored award confusion. Instead, she posted a nostalgic tribute afterward, writing:
“Once upon a time, there was a Tulsi, a Mihir, and a Nandini — and they changed television forever. Thank you for making Kyunki eternal.”
Her post included a heartwarming backstage picture of the three, moments before their on-stage appearance.
Insiders believe this was Ekta’s subtle way of paying respect to the show’s history — without adding fuel to the drama. After all, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi remains her most iconic creation, running for over eight years and airing more than 1,800 episodes — a record that still stands tall.
The Legacy Lives On
Nearly two decades since its premiere, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi continues to hold an irreplaceable place in Indian television history.
It wasn’t just a serial — it was a cultural movement that shaped how the nation viewed family dramas. It launched careers, set new benchmarks for emotional storytelling, and created characters that became legends.
The reunion of Tulsi, Mihir, and Nandini wasn’t just a nostalgic moment — it was proof that great stories never fade. Even with a sprinkle of award-night drama, the evening reminded everyone why Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi will always be remembered as the show that changed Indian television forever.
And as Tulsi once said, “Family is forever” — and so is the legacy of Kyunki.
