'Requested Mr.Gates that..': Smriti Irani opens up on Bill Gates' appearance on Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi

In a unique crossover of worlds, global philanthropist Bill Gates is set to make a special appearance on the reboot of one of India’s most iconic television shows, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. The news has sparked excitement and curiosity across the internet. Recently, journalist Navika Kumar sat down with actor and Union Minister Smriti Irani to discuss this collaboration, where entertainment meets social awareness. Their engaging conversation shed light not just on the surprising cameo but also on the powerful message behind it.

During the conversation, Navika Kumar brought up Bill Gates’ upcoming appearance on Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 and reminded Smriti Irani of her previous collaboration with him during her tenure as the Minister for Women and Child Development. With a hint of humor, Navika then asked, since the global philanthropist is now set to feature on Kyunki 2, would Smriti be dragging him into the Saas Bahu saga?

Smriti Irani responded with her characteristic grace and humor. She recalled their last public appearance together, saying, “I think the last, you, me and Mr. Gates were on a platform together, if you recall, just before coming on stage with you as the anchor, I had made him do tadka in a khichdi, a chonka. That too was a message about how nutrition and a well balanced diet, especially for pregnant women, young children, can be affordable, can be traditional, may not need any kind of additional inputs, which may be chemical in nature.”

Smriti went on to explain that the collaboration aims to promote awareness about maternal and child health through an accessible and familiar medium. “To have that messaging come through under the Prime Minister's Poshan Abhiyan was one of the contributions I could very blessedly make as a legislator, as an administrator. Today in the show, you may say, yes, rishton ke roop badalte hain and maybe that is another indication of the relationship with nutrition and maternal and child health that I share,” she said.

Further elaborating, Smriti revealed that the partnership with the Gates Foundation was born out of a shared vision. “We’ve had the blessed opportunity, I requested Mr. Gates and the Gates Foundation that this is a very popular platform, a very popular mode of communication and if we could find some way to collaborate so that we can propagate and continue to propagate the issue of maternal and child health, then we should look at this opportunity. I'm very grateful that my network and the production house all were keen to partner and that is why the collaboration will come to screen very soon.”

She concluded the conversation on a heartfelt note, emphasizing simplicity in healthy living. “Again, the purpose is to reiterate that a good, healthy, balanced diet for mothers, for children need not be fancy. It can be a simple drumstick soup at home. It can be a simple khichdi as long as it is made with a lot of love and care and as long as families and communities at large take the responsibility of ensuring that mothers are protected, respected and well nourished.”

We’ve had the blessed opportunity, I requested Mr. Gates and the Gates Foundation that this is a very popular platform, a very popular mode of communication and if we could find some way to collaborate so that we can propagate and continue to propagate the issue of maternal and child health, then we should look at this opportunity. I'm very grateful that my network and the production house all were keen to partner and that is why the collaboration will come to screen very soon.

- Smriti Irani

Smriti’s words underline how Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 will not only revive nostalgia but also serve as a platform for meaningful conversations about nutrition, wellness, and community care — proving that entertainment can indeed be a powerful tool for change.