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The ace Producer of Yeh Rishta talks about how team work has worked wonders for him.

Well-known TV producer, Rajan Shahi (Director’s Kut), is quite happy that his iconic Star Plus show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, has managed to become the longest running Asian daily, clocking over 2570 episodes.

Says the ace Producer on this stupendous achievement, “Full credit goes to my original core team (technicians and creative), who have stood by me, all through these 8 long years. Even the actors are an integral part of my success, and I wish to thank each and every one for their support.”

On what makes the show tick, he says, “The texture is different. We have evolved with time (generation shifts), keeping the values intact. Many others have tried to replicate the same template, but failed.Another thing is that we don’t tinker with the narrative for short term TRPs, as is the norm. Also, I must thank Star for their continued support and conviction in the story. Many channels have asked me to recreate Yeh Rishta, but I have humbly told them that it is tough– it has some magic, which happens only once.”

Here, we ask Rajan about the tough period that the show went through, and how, post change of leads (Hina Khan and Karan Mehra), it bounced back. “It becomes really tough to work, when certain artists throw tantrums and decide hours. It was not that I did not express my reservations back then. I did. If I pamper you, I have the right to step in when I feel that the show is being sabotaged.”

“You are forced to tolerate indiscipline, as channels feel that a particular actor rakes in TRPs. You need to realize that if things continue to slide, the show will go off air anyway. The crew has to work extra hours due to the actions of a few. I finally decided to put my foot down and not compromise with my dignity.”

He continues, “In the end, I am glad that the channel allowed me to change the cast. This success was very important for the industry (producer and channels), because you can’t hold a show at ransom. It also broke the notion that one person makes a show. It is always a team effort. Having sad that, I also realize that creative differences will always be there, but if you have good, disciplined actors working in your show, things can go a notch higher. The new lot of actors in Yeh Rishta is very hardworking and fully in sync with the team.”

“It was sad that there was a campaign against us. Sadly, all this negativity was being spread at a time when the show was growing. An attempt was made to show that the Yeh Rishta journey was over. In retrospect, I feel, that in a way, buoyed my team to come really together, to prove the naysayers wrong. Very few shows have reconstructed themselves and gone on to grow. All in all, it was a tough time, period,” he categorically states.

“But all that is in the past now. We wish to only look forward with positivity and hope. I again wish to thank everyone (past and present), for what we are today,” he avers looking forward!!

Way to go, Mr. Producer!!

 

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