KSKBT is my life’s biggest show and I can

Those who have been rooting for their favourite television bahu, Smriti Irani to return to Kyunki.. , the flagship show of Star Plus, have got their prayers answered by television Czarina Ekta Kapoor. The actress who has played Tulsi for 8 years is returning to the show after 11 months.

On the comeback:

Ekta: Smriti and I met during Balaji's Global awards and she showed the sweetest gesture by taking part in the function for free. I told her that our relationship went too far and too behind and both of us got our big break from KSKBT. She and Tulsi go hand in hand and since then the planning was on to get her back. I was just waiting for the right moment.

Smriti: My association with Ekta and Balaji goes a long way. When Ekta rang me up and asked if I could take part in Balaji's award function, I gladly accepted. After that the media filled pages about our relationship. It was then that Anupama (Creative Director, Star Plus) told us that when we are so good off-screen why can't we get together on-screen. It was Anupama and Ekta who decided to bring me back.

On KSKBT:

Ekta: KSKBT is my life's biggest show and I can do anything for the show.

Smriti: I have gained a lot from this show. Even after I left Kyunki I was recognised as Tulsi by all and sundry. So in this case I was always in a win-win situation. I remember when I was not getting work it was Ekta who saw the actor in me and gave me my first big break and after that there was no looking back. Tulsi is conceptualised and written by Ekta but I gave life to it.

Why did it take so long?

Ekta: Everything has an opportune timing. During the Global awards I thought, planned and decided on calling her back to KSKBT. We then met and dined together and now you are seeing the result. Everyone is party to the fact that I voice my opinion, likes and dislikes about the actors, loud and clear. I, from day one, have never said a word against Smriti as I feel that a relationship can take a break but cannot break ties.

Smriti: I have always told Ekta that I am just a call away whenever I am needed. My ego can never come in the way of our association. I am blessed enough to be a part of the number one show. Our partnership has created history. I have been accepted by the audiences as an actor, writer and producer. My show Virrudh bagged eight awards last year. But irrespective of heights I scale and success I achieve, I will not rest.

Glitch in the relationship:

Ekta: Smriti will answer this.

Smriti: Ekta had warned me that the media will surely shoot this question to me. I would just say 'Chodho kal ki baatein. Sab Thakur ji ka likha hua bhagya tha jo hum dono ne jiya' (It was all destined). Let bygones by bygones.

Bringing back Smriti for TRPs:

Ekta: It is number one show on the channel so no point discussing TRPs here. For me personal relationships matter more than anything.

On Gautami Gadgil:

Ekta: I have great respect for Gautami. It is a great challenge to replace a strong character which has been on the show for six years and 3 generation leaps. She has done a fabulous job and done complete justification to the character. But the advantage goes to Smriti. I gave birth to Tulsi as Smriti's face.

This patch – up will work well for all concerned. Ekta gets her TRPs soaring, the channel is happy and Smriti goes laughing all the way to the bank. Well done guys!