Sumeet Sachdev brings back fond memories of Gautam Virani, affectionately called Gomzi, from Star Plus and Balaji Telefilms’ iconic show, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. This brash and fiery character reenters Tulsi’s life, rekindling the complex relationship that has always defined them. Ektaa Kapoor’s brilliant idea to reintroduce Gautam as the lawyer opposing Tulsi and her family has been met with heartfelt reactions from fans.

In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Sumeet Sachdev shares his thoughts on returning to the show that brought him so much love and recognition. He discusses the show’s enduring legacy, even as times and audience preferences have shifted.

Read on.

How does it feel slipping into Gomzi’s shoes after so many years?

There was not much of a problem, I will be frank with you. I did not expect it to be this way, as it has been a long time. But I presume that the character was deep down within me. They say the memories you have had as a child will remain with you for many years, when compared to things that we learn later in our lives. Well, Gomzi happened to me when I was raw and new; in my acting career, I was still a baby. That’s why Gomzi is still embedded in me.

Fun is in the drama, and the drama only comes when Gautam is against Tulsi.

What was the idea behind showing the evolution of Gomzi as a person? What was on your mind?

I won’t say I had anything particular in mind. Frankly speaking, the very last scene that I shot for Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, in the year 2008, was with Tulsi and Mihir in the drawing room of Shantiniketan. I was with my wife, Sahil was with his wife, and Karan was with his wife. I was the only one who walked out of the room in a rage, because I had certain issues with the family.

I am quite impressed that Ektaa actually wanted to introduce me at the very point where Gomzi is still against the family, with similar issues. I am happy with the way the narrative has been written and explained.

How do you think you would compare the character in both eras?

He is older and more experienced now. I have not gone beyond that as of now. People have certain memories of Gomzi, so I would like to stay within those parameters. People have strong memories, and I am thankful for it. I don’t want the audience to say this is not what I remember about Gomzi. Mentally and physically, I feel that Gomzi has gotten older.

I am not sure if I can talk at length about what Gomzi will come out to be. It will be great if it comes out without the audience reading anything about it. People will get to know about his reasoning and his perspective. Maybe you might consider that the mother is right, and maybe the son is also right.

It is a great feeling to see Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi being loved by viewers of all age groups.

Would you wish personally that Gomzi becomes his mother’s blue-eyed boy again, or remain in her bad books?

Fun is in the drama, and the drama only comes when Gautam is against Tulsi (smiles).

What does this comeback in Kyunki mean for you?

I get congratulated for the new show. But, genuinely, I don’t feel like I am a part of a new show. This surprises me. In fact, everything is new: the location, the co-actors, the unit. The only common factor is the four actors, effectively only two with respect to me. Shakti and I, who are now head-to-head in the court, did not have too many scenes when Gomzi was there. Amarr was not there when I was there; it was Ronit playing my father. He has never been my co-actor, but he has been part of Kyunki. So it is only my mother Tulsi and my sister Shobha with whom I connect as my co-actors in an effective sense. Everything else is new for me. Despite that, the entire show in totality is bigger than anything else. I have to say that my scenes were handled extremely well by Ektaa. I can see the effort that has gone into recreating the scenes and making it easier for me.

Generations have changed, viewers have changed. The show has held on to its legacy – people have accepted the OG actors, accepted the new actors and also accepted the comebacks. How does it feel?

All I can say is that the viewership has definitely changed. There is a huge percentage of people who have not seen Season 1. There is also a degree of people who have watched the show as kids. In fact, I have met such people who watched the show as kids. What more can we say? Ektaa has a magical wand. Her story has been loved by audiences of all age groups. The whole formula of deciding the viewership has also changed with time. The reference TRPs at that time were different, and they are different now. The show is more accessible now. It is a great feeling to see Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi being loved.

What can viewers expect now?

There are beautiful scenes, which are emotional. Gomzi will be stubborn as usual. You have to see it and enjoy it. I will not give anything out.