Mumbai: Tech billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is set to make a special appearance in an upcoming episode of the much-loved Indian television drama Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, starring Smriti Irani.

On Thursday, the show's producers shared a promotional clip that has left fans thrilled. In the video, Gates is seen greeting Irani’s iconic character, Tulsi, with a warm “Jai Shri Krishna” during a virtual call.

Sharing the teaser on Instagram, the StarPlus team wrote, “Iss baar #KyunkiSaasBhiKabhiBahuThi ki kahaani ke beech, ek naya rishta jud raha hai -- sehat ka, samvedna ka, aur badlaav ka. Aur iss kahani mein jude hain duniya ke sabse bade changemaker -- Bill Gates, ek soch ke saath: har maa aur har bachcha rahe surakshit aur swasth. Do alag duniyaan, ek hi maqsad ke saath -- maa aur bachche ki sehat, har ghar tak pahunchani hai. Mr Bill Gates aur humari Tulsi ke iss vishay par vichaar jaanne ke liye dekhiye, #KyunkiSaasBhiKabhiBahuThi, aaj raat 10:30 baje, sirf #StarPlus aur #Hotstar par.”

In the clip, Smriti Irani as Tulsi welcomes Bill Gates with the traditional greeting, “Jai Shri Krishna,” to which Gates replies, “Namaste Tulsi ji, Jai Shri Krishna.”

Smriti’s character expresses her excitement, saying, “Bahut acha laga yeh jaanke ki aap seedha America se mere parivaar se jud rahe hai. Aap ka hum sab besabri se intezaar kar rahe hain.” (It feels wonderful to know that you are connecting directly with my family all the way from America. We are all eagerly waiting for you.) Gates warmly responds, “Thank you Tulsi ji.”

The unexpected collaboration between the tech icon and the beloved television series has sparked a wave of excitement among fans.

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 first aired on July 29, 2025, rekindling the emotions of viewers by transporting them back to the early 2000s. Since its return, social media has been abuzz with updates, fan theories, and nostalgic throwbacks from the world of Shanti Niketan.

Reflecting on her return to the role of Tulsi, Smriti Irani said in a press statement, “Returning to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is not just a step back into a role, but a return to a story that redefined Indian television and reshaped my own life. It gave me more than commercial success; it gave me a connection with millions of homes, a place in the emotional fabric of a generation.”

“In the 25 years since, I've straddled two powerful platforms—media and public policy—each with its own impact, each demanding a different kind of commitment. Today, I stand at a crossroads where experience meets emotion and creativity meets conviction. I return not just as an actor but as someone who believes in the power of storytelling to spark change, preserve culture, and build empathy. In contributing to this next chapter, I hope to honour the legacy of Kyunki—and help shape a future where India's creative industries aren't just celebrated, but truly empowered.”

The original Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi first aired in 2000 and quickly became a household name, running for eight years and dominating television ratings throughout much of its run. Created by Ektaa Kapoor and produced under her banner Balaji Telefilms, the show played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Indian TV dramas.

ANI