Actress Kiran Joneja has announced the return of the iconic television drama Buniyaad in its original form on the Ramesh Sippy Entertainment YouTube channel, saying the revival will give younger viewers an opportunity to understand the Partition of India through the series.
Taking to Instagram, Kiran shared a video reflecting on her association with the show, her character Veerawali and the circumstances surrounding the making of the landmark television drama.
Recalling how filmmaker Ramesh Sippy approached her for the role when the series was being made in 1986, the actress said she had been asked whether she would be willing to portray a character whose journey extended into old age.
“Namaskar, I am Kiran Juneja Sippy, from your Veerawali Buniyaad. In 1986, when we made Buniyaad, Ramesh ji asked me a question. That this role might go into old age. Will you do this role? And I said yes. And this one yes changed my life,” she said in the video.
Kiran explained that although the show had originally been made for telecast on Doordarshan, it was now returning through the production house’s own YouTube channel after 38 years. The series will be presented in its original form, allowing audiences to revisit the story as it was first shown.
“The foundation is Ramesh Sippy’s own. We have given it to Doordarshan to telecast it. But now, after 38 years, we have brought Buniyaad for you again. On our own YouTube channel, in its original form,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of the revival, Kiran said the series could help Gen Z viewers understand the Partition and the social realities of that period.
“Through this show, this generation, that is, the Gen Z people can also see Buniyaad. And understand what was the partition and what was the time at that time,” she said.
The actress also revealed that she would join viewers before every episode to share anecdotes about the show, her experiences and the stories behind its making.
“I myself will join you before every episode. And will talk about some stories. And about myself and about Buniyaad. So then get ready to watch Buniyaad. We are coming on air from 15th October,” she added.
Originally released in 1986, Buniyaad, directed by Ramesh Sippy and Jyoti Sarup, remains one of Indian television’s best-known family dramas. Set against the backdrop of the Partition of India, the series portrayed the upheaval and displacement experienced by a family as the country was divided.
Its return to a digital platform is expected to introduce the story to a new generation while giving longtime viewers an opportunity to revisit the classic.