Smriti Irani speaks about Kyunki 2's impressive performance: 'Monthly viewership of 5 CRORES, progressive..'

After more than a decade away from television, actress and Union Minister Smriti Irani has made a much-anticipated comeback with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. The sequel to one of Indian TV’s most iconic daily soaps has made waves on digital platforms and traditional television alike, striking a surprising chord with a younger audience.

In a recent conversation with IANS, Smriti shared her thoughts on the success of the reboot, which blends nostalgic storytelling with socially relevant issues. She noted that one of the key reasons for the show’s popularity is its ability to reflect real-life challenges in a fictional format. From addressing themes like body shaming to the realities of ageing, the show brings forward conversations that are rarely seen in mainstream family dramas today.

Smriti reflected on how drastically the entertainment landscape has evolved since the original Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi first aired. “When we began 25 years ago, there was no digital medium of communication or creative thought that came under the guise of a saas bahu show. I was most intrigued to see if it would perform on OTT,” she said.

The reboot is not only thriving on television but is also achieving strong engagement online. Smriti revealed some impressive statistics about the show's performance, stating, “We have a monthly viewership of nearly 5 crores, a daily viewership of about 1.5 crore, and a weekly viewership of around 2 to 2.5 crore.”

We have a monthly viewership of nearly 5 crores, a daily viewership of about 1.5 crore, and a weekly viewership of around 2 to 2.5 crore

- Smriti Irani

What is particularly noteworthy is the amount of time viewers are dedicating to watching the series on streaming platforms. “On OTT, the average time spent on similar shows is around 20 to 28 minutes individually, while on our show the time spent is 104 minutes a week. The fact that a concept steeped in old school drama has found resonance on a platform mostly associated with youth is quite intriguing,” she shared.

The second edition of Kyunki brings back Tulsi Virani, a character that made Smriti Irani a household name. Having left the small screen in 2010, her return has stirred nostalgia while introducing the iconic character to a new generation. “We have included progressive concepts in this drama in 2025. We have fictionalised today's issues, like body shaming, ageing, and more, within the narrative. That makes it relatable for modern audiences,” Smriti added.

Her return is not just a revival of a beloved character, but also a fresh attempt to connect generations through compelling storytelling grounded in current realities.