Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, appeared in an episode of the Indian television drama Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. His appearance was part of a segment discussing maternal and child health with actress and former federal minister Smriti Irani, who portrays the show's central character, Tulsi.
Purpose of Appearance
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has collaborated with governments in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on initiatives aimed at reducing infant and maternal mortality. Government data indicates improvements in maternal and child health indicators in these states. The segment featuring Mr. Gates on the TV drama addressed issues related to maternal and child health.
Background of "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi"
The series Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (Because the Mother-in-Law Was Also Once Daughter-in-Law) first premiered in July 2000. It ran for approximately eight and a half years, broadcasting thousands of episodes daily on Star Plus before its initial discontinuation. The show returned for a second season in July, 25 years after its original debut.
Shailaja Bajpai, a columnist and Readers' Editor, noted that the series centers on the domestic relationships within the fictional Virani family. Smriti Irani's character, Tulsi, is central to the narrative, evolving from a young newlywed in the first season to a middle-aged woman preparing to become a mother-in-law in the current season. The series continues to depict family conflicts.
Ms. Bajpai also stated that the show's current iteration includes an increase in social messaging, covering topics such as divorce, child health, and maternal health. This aligns with Smriti Irani's previous role as a minister for women and child development.
The Cameo Segment
The four-minute segment featured Mr. Gates in a video call with Tulsi. He greeted her in Hindi, saying "Namaste Tulsi-ji." This call occurred after Tulsi was depicted in a video at a baby shower (godh-bharai), offering health advice to an expectant mother. Her son, who had posted the video online, informed her that he had tagged Mr. Gates, who subsequently accepted a video call. Tulsi reportedly expressed initial nervousness about the interaction.