Mumbai, Feb 11 (IANS) Smriti Irani and her mentor Ekta Kapoor have patched up and Ekta says she wants her most popular 'bahu' to come back to Balaji Telefilms.

The rapprochement happened when Smriti came to Balaji's first awards function and danced on-stage with Gautami Gadgil, her replacement in 'Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'.

'Smriti came and performed on stage with Gautami Gadgil and Shah Rukh Khan. What a performance! I want to thank the 10 TV girls who did the 'Chak De! India' act with Shah Rukh, especially Smriti. In fact, Karan Johar said on stage that she's the real Tulsi,' Ekta told IANS.

The awards function, held Feb 1 in Mumbai, was a big hit especially with superstar Shah Rukh Khan and ace director Karan Johar pitching in and performing at the show.

And now Ekta wants Smriti to come back and work for her again.

'It can happen any time Smriti wants to. Our doors are always open for her. I'd be honoured if Smriti comes back to us. I'd love to do something in collaboration with her. I SMSed and told her that the show couldn't have been complete without her.'

Ekta is singing praises about Karan Johar, who supervised the entire show.

She said: 'I've come to the conclusion that Karan Johar is one of the best human beings in the world. My mother was in tears when he even helped me get ready for our dance together on stage. Karan just took charge. 'You're usually not well dressed. You'll wear what I tell you.' I'm totally indebted to Karan and Shah Rukh for life.

'Shah Rukh was so wonderful with all the TV actors. He made each one feel so special. He won himself a whole new section of female fans in the audience. And Kareena (Kapoor) and Saif (Ali Khan) came to make the show ultra-glamorous just because Tusshar (Kapoor) asked them! Dino Morea sportingly joined Lara Dutta's act.'

Ekta gets emotional about the family bonds that made the show a reality.

'It was my mom's goodwill and hard work. Everyone came because of her. I wasn't in the loop till the last few days. It was my mom's awards all the way.'

After the awards, there was a big bash for all the invitees from the awards function.

'Everyone danced and drank till the early hours. There was no question of my drinking or dancing, firstly because I don't dance or drink at parties that aren't at my home. Secondly, I had exhausted my quota of dancing on stage after that little jig with Karan. And lastly, because my outfit weighed 40 kg. I'd have gone home and changed, but there was a little private party at my place.'

The day of Ekta's awards was also her mom's birthday.

'It was my mom's birthday on the day of the awards function. And my buddy Sunita Menon's birthday was the following day. So Karan, his mom and some other very close family friends came for a party at home before the big after-party. So no time to change, but loads of fun even if I didn't dance or drink.'

Ekta feels enthused by the response to the awards.

'I did feel a twinge of sadness when Balaji serials won just three-four awards. But seeing the larger picture, I was happy that the rest of the industry also got honoured. That was the whole point. I wanted the whole television fraternity to participate.'

For those who missed the show, it will be telecast on the fledgling channel 9X.