Tulsi, Savita patch up!

After almost two years of unpleasantness, Smriti Irani and Apara Mehta have reportedly kissed and made up. Unit members and acquaintances have said that it was Apara's growing popularity and Smriti's consequent insecurities that led to their fall out.

A source in the production house said, "There was a time when the two actresses had stopped talking to each other. Both Apara and Smriti had maximum scenes together in Kyunki.... The executive producers and the schedulers had a tough time when the two women refused to communicate with each other. On the surface they appeared cool but everyone knew about their on-going cold war." The final nail in the coffin was when Apara's friends blamed Smriti for axing her role in the show.

But after a year of staying apart actresses Smriti and Apara have buried the hatchet. Apparently, it all started with Smriti's recent illness. In the hospital, Smriti was diagnosed for dengue and her friends, family and colleagues dropped by to see her. A worried Apara, who always had a soft corner for Smriti called her too, to check on her health. "Smriti and I've worked together for years, we were like family. I called her because I was worried and wanted to know how she was doing. I hope she recovers soon. It was great talking to her. I've seen Smriti work hard for where she has reached today. She truly deserves it. I asked her not to ignore her health," says Apara.

When contacted, Smriti admitted to having had a word with Apara when she was in the hospital. "There weren't any major issues between Aparaji and me. She called to enquire after my health and it was great to hear from her. After having spent years in the same make-up room and sets, it was inevitable for us to become friends," she said.