Nidhi Shah was CONFIRMED to play Smriti Irani’s onscreen daughter in Kyunki 2 before Shagun Sharma: ‘Didn’t..’

Television actor Nidhi Shah has been steadily making headlines, not just for her work on screen but also for the candid insights she has been sharing about her career journey. Best known for her role in Anupamaa, Nidhi recently revealed an interesting detail about a project that almost happened but eventually did not materialise. The actor spoke about being considered for a key role in the much talked about return of one of Indian television’s most iconic shows.

In an exclusive conversation with India Forums, Nidhi shared that she was initially set to play the daughter of Smriti Irani’s legendary character Tulsi in the reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Recalling the development, she said, “The actress shared, “I was going to play Tulsi ji’s daughter. And somehow it didn’t work out, so we just had to part ways Obviously, Smriti ji is an icon. When I was a kid, actually a baby I used to watch Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi with my family I still remember those times. So her coming back again on television is a big thing.”

The revelation has caught attention, especially given the legacy attached to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The show, which originally aired in the early 2000s, became a cultural phenomenon and turned Smriti Irani into a household name. The character of Tulsi remains one of the most memorable roles in Indian television history, and any continuation or reboot naturally carries high expectations.

I was going to play Tulsi ji’s daughter. And somehow it didn’t work out, so we just had to part ways Obviously, Smriti ji is an icon. When I was a kid, actually a baby I used to watch Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi with my family I still remember those times. So her coming back again on television is a big thing

- Nidhi Shah

In the same interview, the actress also opened up on her soured relationship with Rupali Ganguly and her popularity after Anupamaa becoming a 'roadblock' for her. She says, ''See, ek hota hai jab aap ghar mein rehte ho itne sare logo ke sath, misunderstanding, miscommunication, apna point of view, kisi aur ka point of view, kabhi jaruri nahi hai ke har time pe match kare, you know wahi ho jo aap chahte ho. Har ek individual ka apna ek opinion hota hai, har ek individual ka apna ek point of view hota hai, performance hota hai, so thodi bahut nok jhok hojati hai but as such aisa kuch nahi hua hai ki you know itna problem hogaya hai ke kisi ke wajah se kuch hogaya hai. Nahi, we all are very chill. We all are still good friends, we are doing amazingly well into our own fields. Its been good.''

As for 'Kyunki 2,' Nidhi, being considered for such a significant role marked an important moment in her career. However, as she explained, the collaboration did not move forward due to reasons that were not elaborated upon. The actor maintained that the decision was mutual and that both sides eventually chose to step away from the project.

Her statement also reflected the emotional connection many actors of her generation have with the show. Having grown up watching Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Nidhi’s association with the potential reboot carried a sense of nostalgia. Her remarks about watching the show as a child underline the impact it had on audiences across the country during its original run.

While the project did not work out for her, the revelation adds another layer to Nidhi Shah’s evolving career narrative. From gaining recognition through Anupamaa to being considered for a legacy driven show, her journey reflects both the opportunities and unpredictability that come with the entertainment industry.