Was it a victory of sorts for the original Tulsi, Smriti Z Iraani when producer Ekta Kapoor called her back to feature once again as the iconic bahu in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi?

“Of course I was delighted,” she agreed continuing, “Recently, I had been for a religious trip. I visited various sacred shrines including the ones at Dwarka and Somnath where an elderly devotee came up to me and said, ‘Behenji, if you are asked to play Tulsi again, please don’t refuse’. When I returned, I found myself discussing my comeback with Ekta. It was like a godsend.”

She added, “My biggest victory is not my comeback as Tulsi, but my being honoured with a Critics Award for my production Viruddh and for my performance as Vasudha.”
Apparently, the politically inclined Smriti has never watched any of the Kyunki episodes featuring Gautami Kapoor, who replaved her as Tulsi.

Nor has she spoken to Gautami regarding her comeback.  “Honestly, I wish I had the time to watch. But I was genuinely hard-pressed for time. Since it’s a sudden development, I have not yet spoken to Gautami. Ekta and the channel  officials have already briefed her about it.”

Smriti threw a surprise when she said, “But contrary to the general impression, Gautami and I share a warm camaraderie off-screen.”