Ektaa Kapoor talks about changing mindset of audience; recalls being told 'My father used to hate you'

Ektaa Kapoor brought back a wave of nostalgia by announcing the second season of the iconic show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The revival on 25th anniversary sparked excitement among fans who fondly remember the original series, which aired from 2000 to 2008. Kapoor's decision to reboot the show has generated buzz, with viewers eagerly awaiting the return of the beloved Virani family and their dramatic storylines.

Ektaa shares about the number of episodes

"We wanted to do a short bout of episodes so that we can actually bring back the memories and most importantly to give back to the medium that gave us so much–television,” she says.

Ektaa R Kapoor believes that the new version of KSBKBT can help Tulsi, one of Indian television's most iconic characters played by Smriti Irani, address and shed light on contemporary issues. “We wanted to use this powerful, force to reckon with character that penetrated through large parts of India and help India see her in an updated, newer version and talk about important issues. We are using storytelling to do what we want to do, that is create impact, awareness and change mindset,” she insists.

Sharing a heartfelt example of change she brought

“Recently, a young man was sitting across the table and he came to tell me, ‘My Father used to hate you’. When I asked him why, he said, ‘Aapki wajah se meri mummy ne pehli baar unko jawab diya, jo unhe lagta hai jawab diya par mujhe lagta hai she put her point of view across for the first time. She felt that if Tulsi can do it at her home, why can’t I?’”

Ektaa talks about the pressure that comes with historic TV shows

"No one wants to ever come down from the nostalgia they created and again put themselves through a test. But Smriti and the channel were both like ‘let's create an impact property. Let's work towards making a story and let’s not just run after only rating. Let’s entertain but let's not be preachy.’ This power is what we are looking forward to exercising with this story. We are not in the game of competition, but the game of coexisting.”

Reason behind choosing TV for show’s return

Ektaa says, "Essentially, my first love would always be television. This is a medium that has far more penetration than even the internet. There is a lot more noise on the internet, but it is scattered. Television has the ability to reunite people, families, thought processes."

Changing mindset of people with Television

"For me reinventing television is secondary, creating lots of noise and high TRP is secondary. But making that medium relevant in a way that people discuss what happened in a show on a dining table, is primary. If I can do that with television, where I can have one mindset changed, where one father can be proud of her daughter’s achievement and doesn't shoot her in the head because of that, I would feel extremely proud,” she asserts.

Ektaa responded to the remarks about the regressive content on Indian television, particularly daily soaps like KSBKBT, by saying that telling a woke story to the "woke world" is no big deal. She emphasized the need to reach the masses, be relatable, and address their issues to push boundaries. She added that they have discussed issues like domestic violence, marital rape, and age shaming, encouraging families to discuss these topics. She expressed her hope to continue entertaining, bringing families together, and prompting them to think.

About the show

Following months of eager anticipation, the premiere date for Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 has finally been confirmed. Star Plus has officially announced that the highly-anticipated sequel will debut on July 29, 2025, at 10:30 PM.