After the lead couple of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Sakshi Tanwar and Kiran Karmarkar, made a special appearance in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, another prominent personality is set to appear in the show, this time virtually. The makers have filmed a special episode featuring Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates.

A source associated with the show shared, “The track will culminate in a video call between Bill Gates and Smriti Irani and will span around three episodes. The storyline focuses on creating and improving awareness about the health of pregnant women and newborns. Since the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation actively works on these causes, the collaboration came about naturally. Smriti wanted to use the show as a platform to promote health and social awareness through storytelling.”

Smriti has been actively creating awareness about various social issues. Recently, she made a graceful return to the runway at the Bombay Times Fashion Week. Fresh off the ramp, she told Mumbai Mirror, “I’ve always believed that a saree is never limiting for a woman. It’s graceful, carries a piece of our history, and exudes dignity. It doesn’t confine a woman to a particular size or body type.”

The actor-turned-politician also reflected on how her iconic show is addressing the body image issues that women in the country are currently facing. “We took up the issue of ageing and body shaming because these are fundamental challenges women deal with every day. For me, as someone who has been part of the creative industry, it was important to highlight them. When we did Kyunki, we did not only address issues of body shaming and ageing, but also dealt with challenges that men face. For instance, if a false case is filed, can women stand up for such men? That is not something you would normally expect in a television show or film, as people often say we are not progressive enough. The fact that such progressive elements are now accepted not only on TV but also on OTT platforms speaks volumes. We have truly entered an era of fearlessness,” she added.

The buzz around Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 (KSBKBT) has been growing louder, but fans will have to wait a little longer than expected for its return. The show’s comeback has hit a brief pause.

A well-placed source tells us, “The show had to go on air on July 3 but now the launch date has been pushed. Ektaa (R Kapoor, producer) wanted some changes in the set and is reworking that. Hence, the delay.”

Actor Amar Upadhyay, who returns as the OG Mihir Virani opposite actor Smriti Irani’s Tulsi, says that the delay has everything to do with the set being reimagined to perfection: “It’s true. The set had to be reworked. Apparently, the colour combination on screen wasn’t translating the way it should. Ektaa knows exactly what she wants — she’s a perfectionist. And this is Kyunki, not just another show. It’s a legacy. She wants to do what’s best for it.”

While the show may no longer launch on July 3 — which would’ve marked 25 years since the original went on air — filming will begin on that date. “The mahurat shoot will take place on the 25th anniversary of the original premiere. It’s symbolic. To start again on the same date, feels like a full circle moment. The nostalgia is hitting hard. But this time, we’re stepping into it with new energy, updated storytelling, and a set that’s being crafted down to the last detail,” Amar adds.

We reached out to Ektaa regarding the development, but she was unavailable for comment.