Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates made an unexpected appearance on Thursday night’s episode of the legendary Hindi TV drama Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (“Because the Mother-in-Law Was Also Once a Daughter-in-Law”), starring actress and former Indian federal minister Smriti Irani.
Gates joined the show to discuss maternal and child health, a cause his Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has long supported in partnership with governments in India’s Uttar Pradesh and Bihar—two of the country’s most populous and underprivileged states.
Over the years, official data has shown significant progress in reducing infant and maternal mortality rates, yet experts note that social challenges persist in a country still grappling with deep-rooted patriarchy. In this context, they say, mainstream media remains a powerful tool for public awareness—and few platforms could be more influential than Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
Originally launched in July 2000, the show ran for more than eight years, captivating millions of viewers with its portrayal of complex family dynamics.
After a 25-year hiatus, the series returned in July for a second run, continuing the story of Tulsi Virani—the devoted daughter-in-law played by Irani—who is now older, wiser, and about to become a mother-in-law herself.
“The drama and melodrama remain intact,” said Shailaja Bajpai, columnist and Readers’ Editor at The Print. “If you remove the gadgets and modern details, it’s still the same story—but with stronger social messaging this time.”
Bill Gates’ unexpected cameo – He appears in a scene to discuss maternal and child health with Smriti Irani.
According to Bajpai, the show’s revival reflects Irani’s real-life career trajectory. “Given her background as the former minister for women and child development, the narrative now naturally explores themes like divorce, maternal health, and social awareness.”
In the four-minute segment, Gates greets Tulsi in American-accented Hindi—“Namaste Tulsi-ji”—prompting her to smile and compliment his pronunciation.
The episode’s setup involves a viral video in which Tulsi advises an expectant mother during a godh-bharai (baby shower) ceremony. Her son then tags Bill Gates in the clip, and to everyone’s surprise, Gates accepts an invitation to video chat with her.
Initially hesitant—“I only do video calls with you all or your father about grocery shopping,” Tulsi quips—she quickly finds her rhythm once the call begins.
“We come together to bless young expectant mothers and remind them about the importance of nutrition, health, and safe hospital deliveries,” she tells Gates. The pair agree that “when mothers are healthy, children thrive—and the world can make significant progress.”
In a statement to the BBC, JioStar Entertainment, the show’s producers, said the series is leveraging storytelling to highlight vital public health issues.
“We believe storytelling can do more than entertain—it can inform, inspire, and drive awareness on issues that matter,” said Sumanta Bose of JioStar. “By weaving socially significant topics into our narratives, we hope to create impact that reaches beyond the screen.”
Gates is expected to appear in three episodes of the show.
While Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has faced tough competition from modern streaming platforms, Gates’ surprise cameo has undeniably reignited public interest.
A promotional clip of the episode garnered over six million views on Instagram in less than 24 hours, with thousands of comments expressing surprise and delight.
“What is this multiverse?” one viewer joked, a comment that received more than 17,000 likes. Another wrote, “It’s so cringe—but I love it so much.”
Whether viewed as a nostalgic throwback or a clever vehicle for social messaging, Bill Gates’ unexpected television appearance has reminded audiences that even the most unlikely collaborations can make headlines—and spark conversations that matter.
