Premiering on January 12, 2009, the Star Plus drama has become Indian television’s longest-running daily soap, completing more than 17 years on air and crossing the remarkable milestone of 5,000 episodes produced by Rajan Shahi.
Its enduring success lies in its ability to evolve while staying rooted in the values that first won audiences over.
The show began with the heartfelt journey of Akshara and Naitik, portrayed by Hina Khan and Karan Mehra. Their relatable love story, centered around marriage, family values, and everyday relationships, struck an emotional chord with viewers across generations. Hina Khan’s portrayal of Akshara became iconic, with the actress leading the show for nearly eight years and setting a benchmark for television protagonists.
Rather than repeating the same formula, the makers made a bold decision to reinvent the narrative through generational leaps.
The second chapter introduced Naira and Kartik, played by Shivangi Joshi and Mohsin Khan. Their romance, emotional highs and lows, and undeniable chemistry made them one of Indian television’s most loved on-screen couples, bringing a fresh wave of popularity to the show.
The third generation saw Pranali Rathod and Harshad Chopda step into the spotlight as Akshara and Abhimanyu. Their emotionally layered relationship resonated with younger audiences while maintaining the show’s signature focus on family bonds and human emotions. The storyline explored love, heartbreak, parenthood, and personal growth, ensuring the series remained relevant to changing viewer preferences.
Today, the legacy continues with Samridhii Shukla and Rohit Purohit as Abhira and Armaan. The fourth generation has introduced new conflicts, modern relationships, and evolving family dynamics, keeping the narrative fresh without losing the emotional warmth that defines the series.
One of the biggest reasons behind the show’s longevity is its willingness to embrace change. While faces, families, and generations have changed over the years, its core themes of love, relationships, traditions, and togetherness have remained constant. Every leap has brought new characters and fresh storylines, allowing the audience to grow alongside the show instead of feeling disconnected.
With more than 17 years of uninterrupted success, multiple iconic lead pairs, and thousands of memorable episodes, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has become much more than a television serial—it is a cultural phenomenon. Its remarkable ability to reinvent itself while preserving its emotional essence is exactly why it continues to stand the test of time and remains a favorite among millions of viewers.
