Vasundhara Sanger/Indiatimes News Network
 
Mumbai, Apr 4: Ekta Kapoor is in a flux about the fate of Gautami Gadgil who replaced Smriti Irani to play 'Tulsi' in the TV soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Last night, Ekta announced the return of the original Tulsi (Smriti Irani) to the fold, at a press conference in Mumbai.

With Smriti's return, Gautami will have to exit from the show, apparently. However, when contacted, the spokesperson for the show informed, "Gautami remains on the show for the next 2-3 months." And added, "You never know what Ekta decides to do with her character once Smriti makes an appearance on the show. She is yet to decide on Gautami."

Balaji's indecision on Gautami also indicates that Ekta maybe toying with the idea of giving twist to her character. Viewers are guessing that as soon as Smriti returns as the real Tulsi, Gautami might be shown as an impersonator (which is what she was suspected of, initially). Some feel Gautami might be shown as having been killed just the way it was done for Smriti when it was her turn to exit.

Be that as it may, Ekta and Smriti have decided to bury the hatchet and get back to give a boost to the show that was, reportedly, losing in popularity because of Smriti's exit.

Commenting on her comeback Smriti said, "The platform of Kyunki is irreplaceable in my life. This is where I began my eventful journey as an actor and it gives me immense pleasure to return to this show after a brief hiatus. I am enthralled by the love and admiration my fans have shown towards Tulsi in the past and am confident of their support on my return."

Ekta in her praise added, "It is heartening to bring Smriti back as Tulsi. Smriti's fans have immense faith in her and in the show Kyunki . I'm glad Smriti and I have had another chance to work together on the show (that is) closest to both our hearts."

The production house did not forget to refer to the lady who had come to their rescue when Smriti exited from the soap, a few months ago. Anupama Mandloi of Balaji said, "Both Gautami and Smriti have done exceptionally well as Tulsi and worked hard to make Tulsi a household name. It will be unfair to draw comparisons between the two of them. Smriti always had the advantage of having started out with playing the character and establishing herself as the actor who played this role. Gautami managed extremely well by creating a new identity for Tulsi."

Meanwhile, next week, Smriti will commence shooting for her Tulsi role. With Smriti's re-entry into the Balaji camp, this will be the first time that Ekta takes back an actor who had left her serial, midway.