Amar Upadhyay To NDTV On What Made Mihir-Tulsi The Ideal Couple In Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: "We Used To Laugh A Lot While..."
Fans of the popular 2000 daily soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi are elated with the show returning after 25 years. Ekta Kapoor is all set to once again make families come together and enjoy a show as iconic as Kyunki, with a limited episode reboot series.
Ahead of the premiere on July 29, 2025, Amar Upadhyay spoke to NDTV about what made it so easy to work with Smriti Irani. He also spoke about the joy of connecting again with his co-star and the camaraderie on the sets of the upcoming reboot series.
What's Happening
The most amazing factor of Ekta Kapoor's upcoming Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Reboot series is that Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay, as Tulsi and Mihir Virani, will be reprising their iconic roles.
They became household names with their onscreen portrayals. Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay will also be joined by a major portion of the OG cast from the popular show.
Speaking of how his easy friendship with Smriti Irani transformed on screen, Amar Upadhyay told NDTV, "When two people know each other and are friends, and have worked in a very successful show together, it becomes easier. We, as Mihir and Tulsi, have built that show as actors, along with the rest of the cast. We are still missed and remembered today because of that. That's why we are returning."
He added, "We were so comfortable as actors and friends on sets together. We used to laugh a lot while the cameras weren't rolling. You can see some clippings on social media today where we are both seen laughing, but that's happening when we are not shooting any scene. That's the reason why we came across as the believable, perfect couple on screen."
Speaking of how it is to collaborate with Smriti Irani all these years later, and the changes he observes, Amar Upadhyay reveals, "Tulsi is a very strong personality of television. Today she's a very big politician. She's handled so many ministries. But I never feel she's such a big politician. I always felt that she was my co-star. And when we met on set this time, I think we met as co-stars more than anything else. So it feels the same."
The Buzz
Ever since the promos of the upcoming reboot series of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi have dropped, fans are buzzing with excitement. Loyal fans of the show can't wait to see Tulsi Virani and Mihir Virani once again grace their screens.
Other than Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay, Hiten Tejwani as Karan Virani and Gauri Pradhan as Nandini Virani are also going to make a comeback. They, too, were immensely loved as an onscreen couple in the show.
They will be joined by new faces Rohit Suchanti, Shagun Sharma, and Aman Gandhi. The show is set to premiere on July 29 at 10:30 pm.
In A Nutshell
Amar Upadhyay, who rose to fame with his character Mihir Virani in Ekta Kapoor's Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, spoke about his bond with Smriti Irani, who plays Tulsi Virani in the show. He shared how it was meeting her after so many years on set and the memories it brought back
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
4 hours ago
- NDTV
After Aanand L Rai, Varun Grover Slams AI-Powered Ending In Raanjhanaa's Re-Released Tamil Version
New Delhi: Twelve years after its original release, Aanand L Rai's Raanjhanaa is returning to theatres in Tamil Nadu as Ambikapathy on August 1, 2025. But instead of celebration, the re-release has stirred a major controversy. One that involves Artificial Intelligence, a happy ending, and what writer-lyricist Varun Grover calls a dystopian experiment wrapped in comedy. According to promotional posters, the re-release features an "AI-powered" new ending where Dhanush's character doesn't die marking a significant departure from the tragic climax that originally defined the film's emotional punch. While fans are baffled, Raanjhanaa's director Aanand L Rai is deeply disappointed. In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Rai said, "Raanjhanaa didn't need a new climax. It had heart and honesty... To see its ending altered without a word of discussion is a gross violation not just of the film, but of the trust of the fans who've carried the film in their hearts for 12 years." He raised serious concerns about the ethical, legal, and creative implications of using AI to manipulate films and performances without the consent of creators or actors. Amid this heated debate, writer and Masaan co-creator Varun Grover weighed in with his signature sarcasm through a reel that is quickly gaining traction online. In the video, Grover narrates a tongue-in-cheek anecdote about how his uncle reacted to the first screening of Masaan. "The film is good," his uncle had said, "but just change the ending and it'll be a hit." Grover humorously explains how he had to offer logistical excuses to avoid such a change-claiming they didn't have enough budget, time, or actor availability. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varun Grover (@vidushak) "But apparently," he adds with a smile, "someone else's uncle has enough to AI-edit Raanjhanaa, make it a happy ending, and re-release it. So, whoever's uncle it is, namaste to them." While the reel is laced with wit, Grover's satire speaks directly to the unease many artists feel about the growing use of AI in storytelling. The idea that a studio can override the creative intent of a film for short-term gains is what both Grover and Rai are implicitly warning against-albeit in very different tones. With the Ambikapathy AI-ending debate heating up and creators speaking out, this re-release may ultimately spark a broader conversation around consent, creativity, and control in the age of artificial intelligence.
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Varun Grover Reacts To AI-Edited Raanjhanaa Ending: 'Namaste To Whoever's Uncle Did This'
Raanjhanaa's AI-powered Tamil re-release, Ambikapathy, stirs controversy as director Aanand L Rai and writer Varun Grover criticize the altered ending. Twelve years after its original release, Aanand L Rai's Raanjhanaa is set to return to theatres in Tamil Nadu as Ambikapathy on August 1, 2025. But instead of celebration, the re-release has ignited a heated controversy—one that involves Artificial Intelligence, a reimagined climax, and what writer-lyricist Varun Grover has called a 'dystopian experiment wrapped in comedy." Promotional posters for Ambikapathy suggest that the film now features an 'AI-powered" alternate ending in which Dhanush's character does not die, deviating dramatically from the tragic conclusion that originally defined the film's emotional gravitas. While fans are left stunned by the twist, director Aanand L Rai is deeply disappointed. In a conversation with NDTV, Rai shared, 'Raanjhanaa didn't need a new climax. It had heart and honesty… To see its ending altered without a word of discussion is a gross violation not just of the film, but of the trust of the fans who've carried the film in their hearts for 12 years." He also raised serious concerns about the legal, ethical, and creative consequences of using AI to tamper with films and performances without consulting their original creators or actors. Amid the uproar, Varun Grover weighed in with biting satire in a reel that's now gaining momentum online. Recounting a conversation with his uncle after the release of Masaan, Grover said, 'The film is good," his uncle told him, 'but just change the ending and it'll be a hit." Grover then explained, tongue firmly in cheek, how he avoided making the change by citing budget and logistical constraints. 'But apparently," he added with a smirk, 'someone else's uncle has enough to AI-edit Raanjhanaa, make it a happy ending, and re-release it. So, whoever's uncle it is, namaste to them." Despite the humor, Grover's message underlines a growing unease within the creative community about the use of AI to revise narratives without the consent of their originators. The idea that a beloved story could be altered—its heartbreak replaced with convenience, its soul diluted by software—has struck a nerve. For Rai, it's not just about artistic intent, but about integrity. 'Raanjhanaa had heart," he said, 'and the ending was integral to that." As audiences await Ambikapathy's re-release, it may well become a flashpoint in a larger conversation about authorship, autonomy, and the future of cinema in the AI era. Whether the re-edit wins over viewers or not, one thing is certain—this isn't just about how a story ends, but who gets to write that ending in the first place. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Who is Ruchi Gujjar? Actress booked for hitting producer with her sandal at Solang Valley premiere
Ruchi Gujjar, an emerging actress and model, is making waves online following a dramatic episode at the premiere of the film Solang Valley. After grabbing attention at Cannes 2025 with a necklace showcasing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's face, she is now in the spotlight for reportedly assaulting producer Karan Singh with her sandal amid a Rs23 lakh financial dispute. The incident has gone viral, leaving many wondering who she is and what triggered the heated confrontation. Who is Ruchi Gujjar? Actress booked for hitting producer Ruchi Gujjar is an Indian actress and model hailing from Mehara Gujarwas village in Rajasthan. A graduate of Maharani College in Jaipur, she belongs to a traditional Gujjar family where women rarely pursue careers in entertainment. After being crowned Miss Haryana 2023, she shifted from modeling to acting and gained popularity through music videos such as Jab Tu Meri Na Rahi, Heli Mein Chor, and Ek Ladki, in which she appeared with actor Aman Verma. At the 78th Cannes Film Festival, she made headlines for wearing a striking necklace featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's face, complemented by a traditional Rajasthani gold lehenga and Bandhani dupatta. Why did Ruchi hit the producer at Solang Valley premiere? On July 24, 2025, Ruchi Gujjar lodged an FIR at Mumbai's Oshiwara Police Station, alleging that producer Karan Singh Chauhan and the So Long Valley team defrauded her of Rs 23 lakh by falsely promising a TV project, a share in profits, and screen credits, all of which never came through. The following day, during the film's premiere, she confronted the producers, slapping and hitting them with her sandal, a moment that was captured on video and quickly went viral. Accompanied by protestors demanding the film's release be halted until she was paid, Ruchi now faces charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including assault, criminal intimidation, and obstruction, according to NDTV. Gujjar's lawyer stated that a separate FIR for assault would be filed against Karan Singh at the Amboli police station. In response to the incident, director Man Singh accused Ruchi Gujjar of orchestrating a 'publicity stunt.' He claimed that Gujjar had previously attempted to halt the film's release, but the court ruled in the makers' favour and allowed it to go ahead. 'Ruchi Gujjar and Karan Singh are well acquainted. If she truly paid any money to Karan for the film, she should present proof. This is nothing more than a publicity stunt,' he added.
