Amar Upadhyay, the man who became a household name as Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, recently reflected on the moment he was first offered the iconic role. In an industry-defining moment that would go on to change the landscape of Indian television, Upadhyay admitted he initially believed it was a joke.
“When I got the call from Balaji Telefilms saying they wanted me to play Mihir, I genuinely thought someone was playing a prank on me,” Amar revealed in a candid interview. “At the time, I wasn’t expecting such a big opportunity. Back then, no one knew what Kyunki… would become — we were just making a serial.”
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The show, which aired in 2000, turned into a cultural phenomenon, catapulting both the show and Amar into superstardom. Mihir’s on-screen death sparked nationwide protests and emotional outpourings from fans, forcing the makers to bring the character back.
“I never imagined a fictional character could evoke such strong emotions,” Amar added. “There were candle marches and letters pouring in. That’s when I realised Mihir was not just a character — he was a part of people’s families.”
Reflecting on the impact Kyunki… had on Indian television, Upadhyay credited producer Ekta Kapoor for her vision and risk-taking. “Ekta believed in me even when I was unsure. She saw something in me that I didn’t see myself at the time.”
Nearly 25 years later, Amar continues to be remembered as the face of Indian television’s golden era. While he has explored films and other TV projects since, Mihir remains his most iconic portrayal.
“Sometimes, all it takes is one role to define a lifetime,” he said. “And for me, that was Mihir Virani — even if I thought it was a prank at first.”