Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi to return on TV, this is how it changed the face of Indian television...
The iconic TV show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which aired on Indian television 22 years ago, is back on the small screen from February 16. One of the longest-running daily soaps on TV, which was produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor and had Amar Upadhyay and Smriti irani as leads, Kyunki... was aired on July 3, 2000, and the show continued to run for eight long years, telecasting around 1,800 episodes. Here is a look at how it changed the face of Indian television...
1000, not out!
It was the first daily soap in the history of Indian television to complete 1000 episodes. This was the first time ever that Indian television witnessed typical family drama covering a range of realtionships and emotions. No wonder, it was from this show that the term saas-bahu became popular and continued to be associated with television. The show was also one of the first to be dubbed in multiple languages, even international.
Power of small screen to bring the dead back
It was for the first time that the power of a TV drama was realized by the makers and the channel. When the lead actor Mihir Virani, played by Amar Upadhyay, was killed by the makers, the fictional tragedy almost became a national tragedy and was discussed at home, and also in offices. Mihir's death sparked several protests to bring Mihir back on the show and eventually the producers had to bring back the dead to life again!
Age no bar!
Well, another interesting fact about the show's storyline was that it saw a number of time leaps. Many actors jined the show, many quit, but the drama continued. Baa (Sudha Shivpuri) remained a constant on the show and no points for guessing when Kyunki wrapped up Baa must have been more than 100 years old.
Starting the trend of plastic surgeries
Apart from several other trends, one of the longest-running shows, also introduced the concept of plastic surgeries every time an actor decided to leave.
TV's all-time favourite bahu
Tulsi Virani, played by Smriti Irani, even today is considered television's favourite bahu. At one point, when Smriti Irani quit the show, Gautami Kapoor stepped in to play the part. Viewers missed Smriti and eventually she returned to the show.
Going social with a cause
Apart from several tracks showcasing saas-bahu dramas, the show is also remembered for raising some relevant issues like domestic violence and adoption. When the lead character Tulsi killed her son after he raped his wife, marital rape became a household discsussion.