Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Smriti Irani Reflects on Tulsi’s Lasting Influence
Smriti Irani played Tulsi Virani on the television show “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.”
She marked 25 years since Tulsi first appeared in Indian homes.
Irani thanked producer Ekta Kapoor for making women central to prime-time stories.
She shared a video about research into television and women’s lives in rural India.
The research found that exposure to cable television was associated with changing attitudes about women.
These attitudes included views on independence, education, and domestic violence.
Irani said stories can help people imagine new possibilities.
She also reflected that some of Tulsi’s young viewers are now raising daughters of their own.
Smriti Irani marked 25 years since Tulsi Virani first appeared on Indian television.
Irani credited producer Ekta Kapoor with putting women at the center of prime-time television.
She shared a video discussing research on cable television and women’s status in India.
The research described an association between television exposure and changing attitudes about women’s autonomy, education, and domestic violence.
Irani said stories can expand what people believe is possible and noted that many viewers who watched Tulsi are now raising daughters.
- Who
- Smriti Irani, actress and politician, reflected on her character Tulsi Virani and credited producer Ekta Kapoor.
- What
- Irani marked 25 years since Tulsi Virani’s debut and discussed the character’s perceived influence and research on television’s relationship with women’s status.
- When
- The reflection marked 25 years since Tulsi Virani first appeared; no date for Irani’s post is provided.
- Where
- The character appeared in Indian living rooms; the cited research concerned rural India.
- Why
- Irani said stories can expand what society believes is possible for women.
- Milestone
- 25 years since Tulsi Virani first appeared
- Character
- Tulsi Virani
- Television show
- Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
- Producer credited
- Ekta Kapoor
- Research topic
- Cable television and women’s status in India
- Research finding described
- Television exposure was associated with changing attitudes concerning women’s autonomy, education, and domestic violence.