Producer Rajan Shahi needs huge applause for captaining the ship of his popular and high-rated family drama show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai on Star Plus for 10 long years now!!
It is commendable that the show which has moved through various phases in story line and has welcomed new actors after many popular faces bid adieu, is today regarded as the ONLY Hindi GEC show to have aired as many as 2827 episodes in its 10 years span!!
We at IWMBuzz.com got into an exclusive conversation with Producer Rajan Shahi who took us through the show’s achievements, the ups and downs in this 10 years long journey, and also opened up on few interesting facts regarding the show and the cast.
Over to Rajan…
“Basically, my day to day vision has been to get people together for this common cause called Yeh Rishta”
You have completed the highest number of episodes in Indian GEC with 2827 episodes. How does it feel as Producer?
It is certainly an achievement. To complete 2827 episodes and 10 years is a great feeling. If you ask me, I have always wanted talented good people to believe in the vision of Yeh Rishta. My job over the 10 years, has been to get them together. Basically, my day to day vision has been to get people together for this common cause called Yeh Rishta. Good shows are made because of good teams and good collaborations.
“Irrespective of the fact that a person has remotely or directly been associated with Yeh Rishta, he will be remembered for being a part of it.”
Talking about collaborations, how has it been working with Star Plus on this Yeh Rishta journey?
Star Plus has always stood by the vision and has always supported a good team. After 10 years, I would say that a good show is made on a good platform because of a good broadcaster who believes in the vision of the team.
At what stage in Yeh Rishta’s journey did you foresee the show’s great future and long run?
See, Yeh Rishta has always been a blessed show. People who have been part of it always want to connect and reconnect with the show. I understood this very early and to tell you frankly, on the first day of shoot 10 years back in Udaipur. Along with few people in my team, I knew that Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is a bond for life. The beautiful part of this journey is that new people came in and took the journey forward. But I knew that I had to be with Yeh Rishta all the time, unconditionally. That is what I have managed to do; my bond with the show has remained unconditional.
There have been many hardships with many actors moving out at regular intervals. But you have succeeded in keeping the ship sailing even through rough waters. How do you explain this.
Yeh Rishta has always been a team’s vision, and never has been an individual’s vision. After 10 years, I would like to reiterate that nobody is bigger than the show. Irrespective of the fact that a person has remotely or directly been associated with Yeh Rishta, he will be remembered for being a part of it. I appreciate people who have stood by Yeh Rishta unconditionally. I always say that Yeh Rishta is because of a very passionate team that includes my Creative Directors, DOPs, Directors, Production, Art Department, Editing etc. Every department on the show is working because they believe and love the show.
“I have never had a problem if any actor wanted to quit the show. But I will never tolerate anybody trying to sabotage the show.”
So how did you handle the exits and controversies?
Let me tell you one fact which I have never told anyone. I have never had a problem if any actor wanted to quit the show. What I respected is a healthy handshake and a healthy adieu if actors. I have been the most honest Producer when it comes to appreciating the efforts of an actor, technician, writer or creative. But if something is not right, and I criticize about it, people know that there is a reason behind it. I will never tolerate anybody trying to sabotage the show. The show has been made with a lot of love coming from the entire team; this journey has made me realize that there have been people who have loved the show and there are people who have wanted to tarnish the show’s image. I thank the people who have loved and thank the ones who have talked bad. The team spirit was so positive that we bounced back.
My understanding is that this is not my journey, but a team’s journey towards success. Yeh Rishta has inspired people. People will come and go, but Yeh Rishta is a common vision which will stand its test of time. There are lot of stories which only the core team of Yeh Rishta knows. We decided to protect it and keep it within closed doors, in order to safeguard the dignity of people.
“The credit for the 10 years success of Yeh Rishta goes to the fans and viewers who have believed in the show.”
What will you like to tell the loyal viewers of Yeh Rishta?
This show has only been successful because of the fans and loyal viewers of the show. Your reactions make us understand the show. I would go out and tell this to every person who takes time to watch and comment about the show, to be honest in whatever you write. The credit for the 10 years success of Yeh Rishta goes to the fans and viewers who have believed in the show. I will be indebted to you all. Comments, good or bad, motivating or criticizing, have always taught us new lessons. We value your comments a lot. And to tell you, a lot in Yeh rishta is decided based on the reactions of fans. Your comments make us very conscious and we will always look forward to this love.
