After a year long hiatus, Smriti Irani returned to the star parivaar to play ‘Tulsi’ once again in the most-popular TV soap ‘Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.’

The return of Kyunki’s original bahu will put back Gautami Kapoor, who had gamely stepped into Smriti's role of Tulsi.

At a joint press conference together with Smriti, Balaji Telefilms’ Creative Director Ekta Kapoor and Anupama Mandloi, Senior Creative Director of Star Plus made announcement about the return of ‘Smriti’ to the show on Wednesday.

Ekta said, “Smriti will return to become an integral part of the Virani household in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.”

Anupama said, "We have had a long standing relation with Smriti and it is thrilling to have her back on the show. She has contributed immensely in making Tulsi iconic and the team is looking forward to her return."

While clarifying about her disparities with Smriti, Ekta told, “It is heartening to bring Smriti back as Tulsi. The show has consistently remained at the top because of her fans' immense faith in her and also in the show. I have not got Smirti to get TRPs. Our personal relationship also mattered to us. I'm glad that Smriti and I have had another chance to work together in 'Kyunki', a show close to both our hearts.”

Making clear her return to 'Kyunki', Smriti Irani, pointed out, “The platform of 'Kyunki' is irreplaceable in my life. This is where I began my eventful journey as an actor and it gives me immense pleasure to return to the show after a brief hiatus. I am enthralled by the love and admiration my fans have shown towards Tulsi in the past and am confident of their support on my return.”

As for the second Tulsi Virani or Gautami Kapoor well, Ekta said that she still remains in the serial.