Some television dramas leave a lasting impression because of a shocking twist. Others stay with audiences because of the emotional scars they create. For many viewers who grew up watching Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, one of the most unforgettable storylines involved Ansh Gujral, whose crimes ultimately forced Tulsi Virani to make the unimaginable decision of killing her own son to protect another woman.
More than twenty years later, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 has revisited that painful chapter, recreating a similar tragedy for a new generation of viewers.
In one of the reboot's most dramatic story arcs, Vaishnavi finds herself at the centre of a harrowing ordeal. Her husband, Parth, gradually reveals a violent and abusive side, while his mother, Nandini, is forced to confront memories of a trauma she once endured herself.
The recent episodes have been particularly difficult to watch. What begins as emotional manipulation and intimidation escalates into sexual violence, exposing Parth's deeply disturbing belief that marriage grants him ownership over his wife. His repeated attempts to justify his actions by claiming Vaishnavi is his wife echo the same entitlement that once defined Ansh Gujral, making the parallels impossible to ignore.
For longtime fans of the original series, the similarities are striking. In the early 2000s, Nandini became the victim of sexual violence at the hands of Ansh in one of Indian television's most controversial storylines. At a time when conversations around consent, particularly within marriage, were rarely addressed on mainstream television, the show attempted to portray the devastating impact such abuse can have on a survivor.
The storyline sparked widespread debate and criticism. Reports at the time suggested that producer Ektaa Kapoor even faced scrutiny from the Women's Commission regarding the portrayal. Kapoor defended the sequence, arguing that its purpose was not to sensationalise violence but to highlight a painful reality experienced by many women.
The trauma did not end there. Ansh continued to terrorise Nandini, eventually kidnapping her and attempting to kill her after the birth of her child. Left with no alternative, Tulsi made the heartbreaking choice to shoot her own son, creating one of the most memorable moments in Indian television history.
The reboot deliberately mirrors that tragedy.
After Tulsi rescues Vaishnavi from Parth's assault, events spiral further out of control. Rio, who initially appears to be helping Vaishnavi, betrays her and leads her back to Parth. In a shocking turn of events, Parth pushes Vaishnavi off a cliff, shoots Rio, and attempts to eliminate any remaining threat.
Just as all hope appears lost, Nandini arrives.
In that moment, she recognises the same mindset that once destroyed her own life. As Parth insists he has every right to control Vaishnavi because she is his wife, Nandini hears the same disregard for consent, the same abuse of authority, and the same dangerous sense of entitlement that Ansh once displayed.
Faced with the possibility of another woman suffering the same fate, Nandini takes the gun and shoots her own son before he can kill Vaishnavi.
The imagery is impossible to miss. Years ago, Tulsi stood with a gun pointed at Ansh. Now, Nandini finds herself standing in the same position, forced to make an equally devastating decision. The woman who was once saved becomes the mother who must save someone else.
What makes this storyline particularly impactful is that it goes beyond nostalgia. Rather than simply recreating a famous moment, the writers revisit a deeply painful chapter in the show's history to examine how abuse, entitlement, and harmful attitudes can persist across generations.
Parth's death represents more than the downfall of a villain. It highlights how violence often survives through silence, power imbalances, and inherited beliefs. Nandini's choice mirrors Tulsi's greatest sacrifice, demonstrating a willingness to protect another woman even at the cost of losing her own child.
The consequences of these events are only beginning to unfold. Tulsi has already attempted to take responsibility for Parth's death, staying true to the self-sacrificing nature that has defined her character for decades. The Virani family once again finds itself shattered. Karan mourns the loss of his son, Nandini must live with an unbearable decision, and Vaishnavi is left to cope with the trauma she has endured.
Despite its dramatic storytelling, the reboot succeeds in reminding viewers why the Ansh-Nandini storyline remains one of the most discussed narratives in Indian television history. Beneath the family drama lies a reflection of issues that continue to resonate today, including consent, domestic abuse, and unequal power dynamics within relationships.
By bringing Nandini's journey full circle—from survivor to protector—Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 revisits one of its darkest chapters and delivers one of the most emotionally powerful callbacks in the franchise's history.
