Kyunki's Akashdeep Saigal on playing Tulsi's grandson: Masterclass in evolution
Akashdeep Saigal called his return to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi a full-circle moment and a masterclass in evolution. The actor earlier played Tulsi's son in the show. Now, he has made a comeback in the reboot as her grandson.
Actor Akashdeep Saigal has spoken about returning to the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi franchise in a new role, years after playing Tulsi’s son in the original show. In the reboot, the 51-year-old actor now appears as Tulsi’s grandson, a shift he described as a "masterclass in evolution" and a full-circle moment.
In the latest episode, Tulsi, played by the 50-year-old Smriti Irani, first sees Reyansh, also called Rio, and is left speechless. Akashdeep earlier played Ansh Gujral in the first season and has now returned as Ansh’s son. The development has surprised viewers, with some saying he appears older than his on-screen father.
Akashdeep Saigal on the role reversal
Speaking to Zoom, Akashdeep said the change from son to grandson reflects the journey of the character space and of the show itself. He said, "It’s a masterclass in evolution. Playing the son was about rebellion; playing the grandson is about legacy." He called it a brilliant professional shift and underlined that the essence of the performance remains the same even if the role changes. He also described the offer as a “full-circle moment”.
Recalling producer Ektaa Kapoor approaching him for the role of Reyansh, the actor said it did not feel like a routine casting call but like a shared vision.
Akashdeep said they had made television history together and felt the return of the franchise needed a certain kind of screen presence. "Bringing me in for Riyansh wasn’t just casting; it was a strategic move to bring back that X-factor," he added.
The actor also referred to Hiten, Gauri Pradhan and Amar Upadhyay as key figures in shaping the show’s genre.
Twist in the reboot
Akashdeep’s entry has already pushed the story in a new direction. The episode reveals that Reyansh lives with Karan, played by Hiten Tejwani, and calls him “papa”. Tulsi is stunned because he looks exactly like Ansh, one of the most remembered characters from the original series. In the earlier show, Akashdeep’s character Ansh had a dramatic end when Tulsi shot him.
His comeback had been teased in earlier promos, which hinted at a mystery figure linked to Tulsi’s past. Those clips showed Tulsi revisiting painful memories before an unexpected visitor arrived at her door.
Earlier reports had suggested that actor Pearl V Puri was being considered for the role, but the makers eventually brought back Akashdeep. With that return, the reboot has revived one of the original series’ most familiar links while opening a fresh track for the Virani family.
Actor Akashdeep Saigal has spoken about returning to the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi franchise in a new role, years after playing Tulsi’s son in the original show. In the reboot, the 51-year-old actor now appears as Tulsi’s grandson, a shift he described as a "masterclass in evolution" and a full-circle moment.
In the latest episode, Tulsi, played by the 50-year-old Smriti Irani, first sees Reyansh, also called Rio, and is left speechless. Akashdeep earlier played Ansh Gujral in the first season and has now returned as Ansh’s son. The development has surprised viewers, with some saying he appears older than his on-screen father.
Akashdeep Saigal on the role reversal
Speaking to Zoom, Akashdeep said the change from son to grandson reflects the journey of the character space and of the show itself. He said, "It’s a masterclass in evolution. Playing the son was about rebellion; playing the grandson is about legacy." He called it a brilliant professional shift and underlined that the essence of the performance remains the same even if the role changes. He also described the offer as a “full-circle moment”.
Recalling producer Ektaa Kapoor approaching him for the role of Reyansh, the actor said it did not feel like a routine casting call but like a shared vision.
Akashdeep said they had made television history together and felt the return of the franchise needed a certain kind of screen presence. "Bringing me in for Riyansh wasn’t just casting; it was a strategic move to bring back that X-factor," he added.
The actor also referred to Hiten, Gauri Pradhan and Amar Upadhyay as key figures in shaping the show’s genre.
Twist in the reboot
Akashdeep’s entry has already pushed the story in a new direction. The episode reveals that Reyansh lives with Karan, played by Hiten Tejwani, and calls him “papa”. Tulsi is stunned because he looks exactly like Ansh, one of the most remembered characters from the original series. In the earlier show, Akashdeep’s character Ansh had a dramatic end when Tulsi shot him.
His comeback had been teased in earlier promos, which hinted at a mystery figure linked to Tulsi’s past. Those clips showed Tulsi revisiting painful memories before an unexpected visitor arrived at her door.
Earlier reports had suggested that actor Pearl V Puri was being considered for the role, but the makers eventually brought back Akashdeep. With that return, the reboot has revived one of the original series’ most familiar links while opening a fresh track for the Virani family.
