Tulsi’s Temptation: Why Kyunkii Kept Her Halo but Could’ve Unleashed Her Fire

Some fan’s got beef with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, questioning why its creators never gave Tulsi Virani, the iconic bahu, a scandalous affair outside her marriage. If Mihir could stray, why not his devoted wife? Here’s a look at why Tulsi remained the paragon of virtue and whether her “needs” could’ve reshaped this 2000s soap for today’s 2025 vibe!Why Tulsi Stayed Loyal: Ekta’s Game PlanKyunkii 2 (premiered July 29, 2025, on Star Plus and JioHotstar) is a reboot celebrating the original’s 25th anniversary, with Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay back as Tulsi and Mihir. It launched strong (2.5 TVR in urban markets) but dipped in weeks 31-32, blending nostalgia with fresh faces like Rohit Suchanti as Angad and Shagun Sharma as Pari. Yet, it clings to the same sanskaari tropes: Tulsi as the selfless, value-driven bahu battling family vamps (now Pari and Noina schemes in Shanti Niketan episodes). Here’s why Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji doubled down:

• Ideal Bahu Aura: Tulsi embodies the perfect wife—dutiful, selfless, anchoring the Viranis. An affair would’ve shattered her “sanskaari” image, risking the alienation of family audiences (think aunties hooked on Star Plus). Mihir’s brief flings (e.g., with Mandira) were framed as forgivable lapses, preserving the sacred Tulsi-Mihir saga. In 2, their 38th anniversary prep and Karva Chauth bonds reinforce this purity, with Noina’s jealousy plots testing loyalty, not temptation.
• TRP Juggernaut: The original’s 1,833 episodes peaked at 22.4 in 2001; 2 bets on that formula for mass appeal. Tulsi’s virtue fuels drama—battlin’ vamps like Komolika (now Pari’s ploys)—without making her “unlikeable.” Recent X buzz hails her as the “heart of the show,” with fans loving the OG vibes over edgier arcs.
• Ekta’s Blueprint: Balaji soaps thrive on traditional roles—women as saints (Tulsi, Parvati) or villains. 2 recycles this, with cameos like Bill Gates adding quirky twists but no moral shake-ups. Even modern reboots (Kahaan Hum) play safe for TRPs.
• Double Standards: Mihir’s “mistakes” get a pass, but Tulsi faces stricter scrutiny. X posts still stan her as the “bahu GOAT,” dragging “low morals” in newer shows. Smriti herself noted skepticism about her return but praised the nostalgic pull.

2025 Reboot Potential?2 could’ve spiced Tulsi with a fling (Netflix-style, like Mismatched), showing her as fierce yet human. But it opts for sanskaari safety—X fans (60% craving boldness) might want more, yet ratings favor familiarity. Ekta’s cashing in on legacy, not revolution.Would a spicier Tulsi arc work in 2, or is the sanskaari slay still the move? Who’d play her fling? Spill it!