Akashdeep Saigal Opens Up About Playing ‘Younger IRL’ Smriti Irani’s Grandson In Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2; States, “It Was A Strategic Move”

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 is back with a new chapter, and it has already sparked strong reactions online. The reboot brings back familiar faces while introducing fresh dynamics to the iconic family saga. However, one casting choice has taken centre stage. Akashdeep Saigal, who once played Tulsi Virani’s son Ansh Gujral, now returns as her grandson Riyansh (Riyo). The twist has surprised viewers and triggered widespread debate.

Akashdeep Saigal Opens Up About Playing Smriti Irani’s Grandson In Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2

Akashdeep Saigal addressed the shift in an interview with Zoom and framed it as a creative evolution rather than a mismatch. 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.”

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Moreover, he described the casting as a deliberate move by Ektaa Kapoor. He recalled his first reaction to her offer and called it a ‘full-circle moment.’ He said, “When Ektaa 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.” He also spoke about reuniting with co-actors like Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, and others, calling them the “architects” of the show’s genre.

Akashdeep Saigal Faces Backlash For Playing Smriti Irani’s Grandson

At the same time, the internet reacted sharply. Many viewers pointed out the visible age gap issue. In fact, Akashdeep is a year older than Smriti Irani, who plays Tulsi, yet he appears as her grandson on screen. This contrast left social media buzzing with criticism and jokes. A user wrote, “Tulsi ka buddha pota.” Punning on the show’s title, another commented, “Kyunki papa bhi kabhi beta tha.” Another user added, “Dad ka dada lag raha hai.” Meanwhile, one comment read, “What has happened to his face?”

In the latest episode, Tulsi comes face to face with Riyo for the first time and stands stunned. She struggles to react, which adds emotional weight to the reveal. Akashdeep, who once defined Ansh’s rebellious streak, now steps into the next generation’s narrative arc.

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About Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi

For context, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi remains one of Indian television’s most iconic shows. It aired on Star Plus from 2000 to 2008 and shaped an entire era of daily soaps before the rise of social media culture. The reboot once again brings back familiar names like Ketki Dave, Kamalika Guha Thakurta, Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, and Shakti Anand. At the same time, it introduces new actors such as Rohit Suchanti, Aman Gandhi, Shagun Sharma, and Tanisha Mehta. Viewers can stream the show on JioHotstar.

In conclusion, Akashdeep Saigal’s return has added both intrigue and controversy to the reboot. While he sees it as a bold and meaningful progression, audiences remain divided over the casting choice. Nevertheless, the buzz has ensured that the show stays firmly in public conversation, proving that its legacy still holds strong.

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Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.