Shagun Sharma’s casting as Pari Virani, the daughter of Tulsi Virani, in the reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is indeed a significant opportunity for her to shine in the Indian television industry. The show, which premiered on July 29, 2025, on Star Plus, has already generated immense buzz, with fans nostalgic for the iconic original series that ran from 2000 to 2008. Shagun’s role as Pari, the daughter of Smriti Irani’s Tulsi and Amar Upadhyay’s Mihir, places her at the heart of a narrative that blends the show’s traditional family drama with modern sensibilities.
Shagun Sharma, known for her roles in Yeh Hai Chahatein, Ishk Par Zor Nahi, Sasural Genda Phool 2, and Harphoul Mohini, brings a wealth of experience in portraying emotionally layered characters. Her casting in this high-profile reboot, produced by Ektaa Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, could indeed be a turning point. The original Kyunki was a cultural phenomenon, commanding double-digit TRPs and reshaping Indian television with its women-centric narrative. Shagun’s performance alongside Smriti Irani, a seasoned actor and the face of Tulsi Virani, will be closely watched. The pressure to match Smriti’s commanding screen presence and emotional depth—honed through years of embodying a character that became synonymous with ideal womanhood—will require Shagun to elevate her craft significantly.
Her prior roles demonstrate her ability to handle complex family dynamics and romantic storylines, which will likely serve her well as Pari. For instance, her lead role in Yeh Hai Chahatein showcased her ability to carry a show, while Sasural Genda Phool 2 highlighted her versatility in portraying nuanced family relationships. These experiences could help her navigate the high-stakes emotional confrontations expected in the reboot, particularly the much-anticipated clash between Pari and Tulsi.
Pari Virani’s Role: Traditional vs. Modern. The reboot aims to balance nostalgia with contemporary themes, and Pari’s character is pivotal in this evolution. The original Kyunki centered on Tulsi as the ideal daughter-in-law, embodying traditional values like familial loyalty and sacrifice. Whether the creators will portray Pari as a conventional daughter in the same mold or as a modern, assertive woman carving her own path remains a key question. Industry reports suggest the reboot will explore new conflicts within the Virani family, incorporating modern issues like career ambitions and gender roles. This could position Pari as a character who challenges or complements Tulsi’s legacy, potentially leading to a dynamic mother-daughter conflict that resonates with today’s audience.
A clash between Tulsi and Pari could be a narrative highlight, given Tulsi’s established persona as a moral anchor and Pari’s potential as a representative of the younger generation. Such a scene would test Shagun’s ability to hold her own against Smriti’s powerful performance, leveraging her experience in emotionally charged roles to deliver a compelling portrayal. Fans are already expressing excitement for this dynamic, with social media buzzing about the return of the Virani family and the introduction of new characters like Pari.
The nation’s anticipation for the reboot is palpable, with the show trending on platforms like X and Instagram shortly after its premiere. The hashtag #TulsiIsBack and fan reactions reflect the emotional connection viewers have with the original series, which ran for over 1,800 episodes and redefined prime-time television. Shagun’s performance as Pari will be critical to the show’s success, as her character is expected to drive significant portions of the narrative alongside her on-screen brothers, Angad (Rohit Suchanti) and Hrithik (Aman Gandhi). This should make the audience feel excited and engaged about the show's potential impact.
If Shagun delivers a standout performance, this role could propel her to the forefront of Indian television, much like Kyunki did for Smriti Irani in the 2000s. The show’s dual release on Star Plus and JioHotstar ensures a wide audience, blending traditional TV viewers with the OTT-savvy younger demographic. A successful run could cement Shagun’s status as a leading actress, opening doors to more prominent roles in Ektaa Kapoor’s projects or beyond. This should make the audience feel invested in Shagun's journey and the potential impact of her performance on the show's success.
Challenges and OpportunitiesActing alongside Smriti Irani, who has won multiple awards for her portrayal of Tulsi, including five consecutive Indian Television Academy Awards, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Shagun. She will need to bring depth to Pari’s character to avoid being overshadowed, especially in scenes that pit her against Tulsi’s commanding presence. However, working with a veteran cast, including returning actors like Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, and Shakti Anand, could provide valuable learning opportunities to refine her skills.
The show’s success will also depend on how well it balances nostalgia with fresh storytelling. Fans have expressed overwhelming positivity about the return of the original cast and the introduction of new faces, but they expect the same emotional depth that made Kyunki a household name. Shagun’s ability to embody Pari as a relatable yet dynamic character—whether traditional or modern—will be key to meeting these expectations.
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