Stories should be rebooted, happy with Kyunki's comeback: Applause's Sameer Nair

Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, July 29th 2025 at 8:03 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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As an audience and as an industry, we tend to beat ourselves up too much about these things in India, Nair said on rebooting content.

Stories Should Be Rebooted: Applause Entertainment's Sameer Nair Expresses Delight Over 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' Comeback

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian entertainment, where nostalgia often intersects with modern storytelling, Sameer Nair, the CEO of Applause Entertainment, has voiced his strong support for rebooting timeless tales. Nair, a veteran in the industry known for his pivotal roles in shaping television and digital content, believes that classic stories deserve a fresh lease on life. This sentiment comes at a particularly exciting time, as one of India's most iconic soap operas, *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi*, makes a much-anticipated return. Nair's enthusiasm underscores a broader philosophy: in an era dominated by fleeting trends and short-form content, rebooting beloved narratives can bridge generational gaps and reinvigorate the audience's connection to enduring themes.

Nair's perspective is rooted in his extensive experience. Having been instrumental in the original success of shows like *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi* during his tenure at Star Plus, he has witnessed firsthand how such stories capture the cultural zeitgeist. Launched in 2000, the show, produced by Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms, became a household phenomenon, running for over eight years and amassing a massive viewership. It revolved around the intricate dynamics of the Virani family, exploring themes of family bonds, generational conflicts, and the quintessential saas-bahu (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) relationship. The series not only defined Indian television in the early 2000s but also set benchmarks for daily soaps with its dramatic twists, emotional depth, and relatable characters portrayed by stars like Smriti Irani, Ronit Roy, and Amar Upadhyay.

Now, with the show's comeback announced, Nair expresses unbridled happiness. "I'm thrilled about the reboot of *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi*," he shares, emphasizing that such revivals are not mere cash grabs but opportunities to adapt timeless stories to contemporary sensibilities. In his view, the core essence of these narratives—family values, resilience, and human emotions—remains relevant, even as society evolves. The reboot, he suggests, could incorporate modern elements like digital influences, changing gender roles, and current social issues, making it appealing to both original fans and a new generation of viewers who consume content on OTT platforms.

This advocacy for reboots aligns with Nair's broader vision at Applause Entertainment, a content studio he leads that has been at the forefront of producing high-quality series across television, films, and streaming services. Applause has successfully rebooted or adapted several classics, including shows like *Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story*, which drew from real-life events, and other projects that blend nostalgia with innovation. Nair argues that in today's content-saturated market, where audiences are bombarded with options on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar, reboots offer a sense of familiarity that can cut through the noise. "Stories should be rebooted because they have the power to evolve," he explains. "What worked two decades ago can be reimagined to reflect today's realities, ensuring they don't fade into obscurity."

Delving deeper into his rationale, Nair points out the economic and cultural benefits of such revivals. From a business standpoint, reboots leverage existing intellectual property (IP), reducing the risks associated with entirely new concepts. They come with built-in fan bases, which can translate to higher viewership and advertising revenue. Culturally, they preserve heritage while allowing for reinvention. For instance, in the case of *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi*, the original series was groundbreaking for its portrayal of strong female characters and family-centric plots that resonated with middle-class Indian households. A reboot could address modern challenges like work-life balance, mental health, and inclusivity, updating the narrative without losing its soul.

Nair also reflects on the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry. He notes how television, once the dominant medium, now competes with digital platforms that offer on-demand viewing. The success of reboots like *The Office* internationally or Indian adaptations such as *24* demonstrates that audiences crave stories that feel both nostalgic and fresh. "Happy with the *Kyunki S* comeback," Nair reiterates, using the show's popular abbreviation. He believes this revival could spark a wave of similar projects, encouraging creators to mine India's rich archive of television history. Shows like *Hum Log*, *Buniyaad*, or even *Mahabharat* could be prime candidates for modern retellings, infused with high production values and diverse casting.

Moreover, Nair touches on the creative process behind successful reboots. It's not about copying the original verbatim but about honoring its spirit while innovating. This involves collaborating with original creators, as seen in the *Kyunki* reboot, where Ekta Kapoor is reportedly involved. Nair stresses the importance of diverse writing teams to ensure authenticity and relevance. He shares anecdotes from his career, recalling how *Kyunki* originally transformed Indian TV by introducing long-running sagas that kept viewers hooked week after week. The show's cliffhangers, emotional highs, and moral dilemmas became templates for countless soaps that followed.

Looking ahead, Nair envisions a hybrid future where traditional TV and OTT coexist, with reboots serving as bridges. He predicts that *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi*'s return will not only boost ratings but also inspire discussions on family structures in modern India. Themes like women's empowerment, which were subtly woven into the original, could be amplified in the reboot, reflecting societal progress. Nair's optimism is palpable; he sees this as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted stories.

In essence, Sameer Nair's endorsement of rebooting stories like *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi* highlights a strategic yet heartfelt approach to content creation. It's about evolution, not repetition—adapting classics to speak to new audiences while cherishing the old. As the entertainment industry navigates rapid changes, voices like Nair's remind us that some stories are timeless, deserving of multiple lives. With the comeback generating buzz, fans old and new await to see how the Virani saga unfolds in this new chapter, potentially setting the stage for more such revivals in Indian entertainment.

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