AMIT TANDON IN KYUKI

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Indian television’s most popular soap, will once again take a leap into the unknown future with a 20-year fast forward. As of last week, it has introduced seven new faces who will decide the fortunes of the Virani family as we join the fourth generation.

Ever since our dear Tulsi departed, Shantiniketan has been in mourning. It’s time to shake it all up. And so, in true Star Plus fashion and in accordance with the producers (Balaji Telefilms) wishes, new characters will try to take Tulsi’s place. The Virani home has a new set, one wall in the snazzy mansion is covered with garlanded photos of all dead family members-quite a number by now, including the saintly Tulsi (Smriti Z Iraani). However, Baa (Sudha Shivpuri) lives on as the all-knowing matriarch. As you may know, Saahil's wife Ganga moved out of the house too, making way for the conniving Meera. Mihir, meanwhile, finds himself disoriented, lost.
Here’s some help figuring out TV’s famous new khandaan.

If Tulsi is missing, we need a new main female lead character. So please welcome onboard, Krishna Tulsi. The serial also introduces a mix of characters - the religious, mischievous, sensitive Krishna Nakul, who is bitter due to his non-wealthy status. Then there is the leader Bhumi - a spoilt brat and a tomboy. We will also see Akashdeep Saighal (Ansh) coming back to the show in the role of Eklavya. The family mix completes with Manthan, who like Meera and Mandira is shrewd, brooding and very manipulative. Living with this family is also the lovable and geek Joydeep.

Will viewers stay glued to the show? Chances are the answer is yes. The competition is poor at 10 . 30 pm and there’s still Karan, Tanya, Meera, and Mihir around. And there is always the possibility of Tulsi’s return.

Brief Profiles
Krishna Tulsi (Mouni Roy): Tulsi Virani’s adopted daughter. A debut performance, Roy is being guarded as the surprise item of the new pack.

Eklavya (Akashdeep Saigal): Ansh and Shraddha’s son. His father was killed by Tulsi, he’s got the same look and starts off as a good boy who turns bad.

Lakshya Virani (Pulkit Samrat): Ganga and Sahil’s son. Was to be the lead in the now stalled serial Sixer. In Kyunki..., expect some romance between him and Krishna. “Instant recognition” is what Samrat’s hoping for with his second trial on TV.

Nakul Virani (Naman Shaw): Ganga and Saahil’s son. Is currently seen as Pushkar on Balaji’s Kasamh Se, on Zee. Bagged the Best Smile award at Grasim Mr India 2003, when he was 18. Took on this role because when “Ektaa ma’am tells us to do anything, we do it.”

Bhumi Virani (Reshmi Ghosh): Tanya and Karan’s daughter. “My best career advancing move since Miss India,” she says. She’s been in the entertainment industry for seven years, doing theatre, telefilms and TV.

Manthan Virani (Amit Tandon): Tanya and Karan’s son. The New Yorker who's perhaps best remembered as an Indian Idol contestant, Tandon is trying hard to shrug off the American accent “Is serial main toh shudh Hindi bolte hain,” he says.

Joydeep (Manav Vij): Ganga’s relative, adopted by Saahil. The homeopath and clinical psychologist-turned actor has Punjabi and Telugu films to his credit. “Given my background, it would seem like I need the serial more than it needs me,” he says. His “slow” character is inspired by Tusshar Kapoor's role in the film Gayab.

Archita (Gunjan Vijaya): Harsh and Mohini’s daughter. She was Sanya in Sahara One’s Hare Kaanch ki Choodiyan, until a while ago. Vijaya’s also shot for Balaji’s thriller Karbon Kopy, but is tight-lipped about details. “Kyunki... is my big break, just look at the star cast,” she gushes.