After domestic violence, the popular television drama Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 has once again used the platform to highlight an important social issue, and this time it is child safety. Actor and politician Smriti Irani, who plays the main protagonist Tulsi in the show, recently spoke a track which addressed safety of children.
In the episode, Tulsi was shown having a sensitive conversation with her primary school-going grand-daughter Garima, daughter of Pari, after the child experiences a traumatic kidnapping incident. Instead of ignoring the situation, Tulsi calmly asks Garima what happened and explains the difference between good touch and bad touch. She also encourages the child to speak openly and reminds her that her voice matters and that her safety should always come first.
Speaking about the intention behind such storylines, in a post on Instagram, Smriti Irani said, "When we brought the legend of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi back to your screens, it was not just a comeback. It was a commitment. A promise to speak of change, to hold on to hope, and to confront the stories that are often whispered in silence." [sic]
Not just child safety, but Smriti also elaborated on other social topics that were addressed in the show. She wrote, "We addressed domestic violence, opened dialogues on ageing, and championed women's economic independence. Yesterday, we found the courage to shatter another silence, child safety. We taught our children the difference between good touch and bad touch, that their voice matters, and that their safety is non-negotiable." [sic]
Irani further acknowledged that telling such stories on mainstream television can be emotionally challenging. However, she believes that these conversations are necessary to create awareness and bring change.
Smriti emphasised the importance of responsible storytelling and media's role in shaping society. She's asking creators and communicators to think beyond just entertaining their audience and instead, use their platform to spark meaningful conversations and drive positive change.
"As creators and communicators, we must ask ourselves: Are we only entertaining, or are we enabling dialogue? Are we merely reflecting society, or helping reshape it? Grateful to every viewer who engaged, questioned, and supported these narratives. Meaningful change begins when audiences are willing to listen and speak. These are not just stories on a screen. They are yours and ours, igniting a revolution for a safer tomorrow." [sic]
In the revival of 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi', the daily soap that once defined Indian prime-time television in the early 2000s, actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani stars as the iconic Tulsi Virani and Amar Upadhyay as Mihir Virani, joining a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent.
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