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'Kyunki Saas Bhi...': 51-year-old actor discusses playing Smriti's (50) grandson
29 Apr 2026

Actor Akashdeep Saigal (51), who rose to fame as Ansh Gujral in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, has returned to the iconic show as Tulsi's (Smriti Irani, 50) grandson in its reboot.

This casting decision has not quite convinced the audience, with many viewers feeling Saigal looked too old for the role.

In a recent interview with Zoom, he discussed his unexpected return and its significance.

'Professionally, it's a brilliant shift'
Character evolution

Saigal shared his thoughts on playing Tulsi's grandson in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, after portraying her son in the original show.

He said, "It's a masterclass in evolution. Playing the son was about rebellion; playing the grandson is about legacy."

"Professionally, it's a brilliant shift. Spiritually, it's a reminder that while the name on the door changes, the soul of the performance stays the same."

'When Ektaa calls, it's not a pitch...': Saigal
Casting insight

Saigal described his reunion with the KSBKBT 2 cast as a "full-circle moment."

He said, "When (Ektaa Kapoor) calls, it's not a pitch; it's a shared vision. We've created history together, and we both knew that for the return of this legacy, it needed a specific kind of power."

"Bringing me in for Riyansh wasn't just casting; it was a strategic move to bring back that X-factor."

Negative reactions to Saigal's casting
Reunion moment

Saigal also spoke about the KSBKBT 2 cast, calling their reunion a "full-circle moment." He referred to Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, Amar Upadhyay, and himself as the "architects" of the show's genre.

The recent episode featured Tulsi meeting Riyo or Riyansh for the first time and being left speechless.

Saigal's return as Riyo has been met with negative reactions from viewers who have pointed out that he looks older than his on-screen father.

But Saigal is unaffected.

About 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2'
Show details

The reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, created by Kapoor, features several familiar faces from the original show. Ketki Dave, Kamalika Guha Thakurta, Tejwani, Pradhan, and Shakti Anand reprise their roles.

The new installment also introduces a younger cast, including Rohit Suchanti, Aman Gandhi, Shagun Sharma, and Tanisha Mehta.

The show is currently streaming on JioHotstar.