Smriti Irani: You know a character is iconic when they open the first scene. Smriti Irani's conviction and compelling screen presence as the ideal bahu of Virani Parivar - Tulsi - made her the poster girl of soap opera addicts. Post her exit, the actress entered the arena of politics. In 2019, she won the Amethi Loksabha seat and was appointed as the Union Cabinet Minister (All images: mid-day archives/Instagram account of celebrities)

Amar Upadhyay: Amar played the role of Tulsi's husband Mihir Virani, the role which gave Amar his major breakthrough. His character was so popular that when his character Mihir 'died' in 2001, the production house was forced to bring his character back to life due to heavy protest from fans. He also appeared in J.P Dutta's movie, LOC Kargil (2003). He joined the fifth season of the reality TV series Bigg Boss and finished in fifth place. This was followed by a successful role in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya

Ronit Roy: A few years later Amar quit the show and was replaced by Inder Kumar. After Kumar quit in 2003, he was replaced by Ronit Roy as Mihir. He played the role till the end of the show

Shilpa Saklani: Shilpa appeared in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi as Ganga from 2002 - 2008. Post her exit, she was seen in Kya Hadsaa Kya Haqeeqat and played the lead role in Lavanya. In 2005, Saklani participated in the first season of Nach Baliye and Bigg Boss 7. She was last seen as Vrinda Kuldeep Shekhawat in 'Vish Ya Amrit: Sitara'

Hiten Tejwani: Hiten Tejwani played the role of Tulsi's step-son Karan Mihir Virani. This character brought him lots of fame and awards. Later, he also played popular roles in Kasamh Se, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Left Right Left, Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, Pavitra Rishta and Balika Vadhu.

Mouni Roy: Krishna Tulsi Eklavya Virani was played by Mouni Roy and she did an amazing job. The actress is now doing some of her best work in Bollywood. She became a household name due to her leading role in Ekta Kapoor's 'Naagin'. She has also tried her hand in Bollywood making her debut with Akshay Kumar's Gold which was followed by 'Made in China'

Karishma Tanna: Karishma played the popular role of Indira from July 2000 to November 2008. Her other popular roles include Maskeeni in Nagarjuna – Ek Yoddha, Ruhi/Huzoor in Naagin 3 and Gauri/Rajlaxmi/Vaidehi in 'Qayamat Ki Raat'. In 2014, she emerged as the 1st runner-up on Bigg Boss. Tanna appeared in other reality shows like 'Zara Nachke Dikha', 'Nach Baliye' and 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'. She was also seen in Bollywood films like 'Grand Masti' and 'Sanju'. Karishma Tanna tied the knot with Varun Bangera earlier this year

Mandira Bedi: The popular film and television actress played the role of Dr. Mandira Kapadia in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'. Even before her entry into the show, Bedi was a popular face thanks to her role in 'Shanti', 'Aurat' and films like 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'. On the work front, the actress was last seen in 'The Tashkent Files' and 'Saaho'

Achint Kaur: In 2003, Mandira was replaced by Achint Kaur. Before entering the show, Kaur had played popular roles in DD's 'Swabhimaan', 'Banegi Apni Baat'. She was also seen in popular shows like 'Kahaani Ghar Kii', 'Virrudh', 'Jhansi Ki Rani' and 'Jamai Raja'

Narayani Shastri: Shastri made her debut in DD National's Kahani Saat Pheron Ki. She then played the role of Tulsi's sister Kesar. Her other popular shows include 'Kkusum', 'Nach Baliye 2', 'Karn Sangini' and 'Nazar'

Gauri Pradhan Tejwani: Model-turned-actress Gauri Pradhan Tejwani played the popular character of Nandini Karan Virani, Aseem, Ansh and Karan's former wife. Thanks to the character, Gauri became a household name even fetching Indian Telly Awards for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Later, Gauri played leading roles in serials like 'Kasamh Se', 'Left Right Left' and 'Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan'

Hansika Motwani: Remember the cute little Bavri Chirag Virani? Hansika Motwani played the role of the cheerful child of the Virani household. As a child, Hansika was also known for her role in 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom', 'Son Pari' and 'Karishma Kaa Karishma'. The actress is a known face in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi films