Bill Gates Makes Surprise Cameo in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: AI Or Real?

In what social media users have dubbed “the crossover nobody asked for,” actor and former union minister Smriti Irani was recently spotted video-calling Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates — but notably, not from a Windows device. The much-discussed moment took place on an Apple MacBook during an upcoming episode of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2.

Short snippets of the exchange, widely circulated on social media, initially led many to suspect the scene was AI-generated. With the internet awash with synthetic content on platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, it took viewers some time to confirm that the conversation was, in fact, genuine.

The brief yet striking cameo quickly became the talk of the internet — not only because of Gates’ unexpected appearance in one of India’s most beloved television sagas, but also for the irony of his onscreen presence via an Apple device. To heighten the humour, the Apple logo on the laptop appeared deliberately blurred.

 

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A Message Beyond the Meme

Despite the initial amusement, the scene itself carried a meaningful social purpose. In the episode, Irani’s character, Tulsi Virani, engages Gates in a conversation about maternal and child health — a cause the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has long championed, particularly across India’s states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Prompted by her children, Tulsi greets Gates with a warm “Jai Shree Krishna,” before describing the traditional Godh Bharai (baby shower) ceremony and its cultural focus on women’s health. Gates responds appreciatively, sharing insights into his foundation’s ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality, and reflecting on how becoming a grandfather deepened his personal commitment to the issue.

Their dialogue culminates in a shared sentiment: when mothers are healthy, “children thrive, and the world moves forward.”

Why Bill Gates Chose Tulsi Virani

Industry experts have noted that this collaboration is far from random. When Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi first aired in 2000, it became a defining force in Indian television, captivating millions of viewers daily with Tulsi’s evolving journey through the fictional Virani family.

Now, a quarter-century later, the show has returned with a fresh season — featuring an older, wiser Tulsi who continues to navigate family challenges while addressing broader social concerns. The new narrative integrates modern themes such as women’s rights, divorce, and maternal health, aligning naturally with Irani’s real-life experience as a former minister for women and child development.

Speaking to CNBC India, Smriti Irani revealed that she had previously collaborated with the Gates Foundation during her tenure in government, and expressed optimism that revisiting this partnership through mainstream entertainment could extend its message to millions more.

A Crossover of Cultures and Reactions

Bill Gates’ brief appearance represents an unprecedented blend of global philanthropy and Indian television drama. Online responses, however, have been sharply divided — ranging from amusement to bewilderment. “What multiverse is this?” one user quipped, while another admitted, “It’s so cringe, but I love it so much.”

Whatever the verdict, one thing is certain: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 has reclaimed the public spotlight, uniting Apple, Microsoft, and Indian pop culture in a single, unforgettable scene.

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