Karan Mehra, fondly known as Naitik to the TV world has been enjoying all the popularity being part of the extremely successful Star Plus show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. With the Director’s Kut show heading towards the 2000 episodes mark sometime in early March, there have been rumours floating about the actor deciding to quit the show.

There’s been a heated exchange of words happening between fans of Karan Mehra and Hina Khan on Twitter, that has left a bad taste over the last few days.

Well, we at Tellychakkar.com requested the man to speak, and clarify things in his style…

And here are the excerpts of the exclusive interview of Karan, wherein he talks about the rumours, his Yeh Rishta journey, his camaraderie with the new set of co-actors coming in and so on….

Are you quitting Yeh Rishta, Karan…                         

Well, I am not!! That is why we call all these as rumours, isn’t it?

So where do you think all this started?   

To tell you frankly, such talks get created every year. I guess it’s a normal trend now. It is either of the show ending or I quitting the show (laughs). I don’t know where all these rumours get created. In fact, last year I was asked about a major spat that happened between me and Rajanji on the sets. I was really surprised; as such a thing never ever happened.

Continue…                                                 

I can just tell you that people have not got news out of me in these seven long years. I am a non-controversial actor, you see!! (smiles). Well, the fact remains that I am still shooting for Yeh Rishta, and we are now working towards a huge Hong Kong schedule. To tell you more, we have a story ahead for the next 2-3 months; so I do not know from where all this exactly starts from.

So what have you to tell your fans now?

Well, we can just sit back and laugh at all that is being written about me quitting.

Moving on, how has the leap treated you?

I have been very happy with the leap. We had to take that step, as we needed a fresh story line.

Yes, but fans also feel that the leap has made the lead actors unhappy… 

Not at all. Think about it, it has been nearly one year since the leap was taken. We have settled into the post leap part very nicely. It does not make sense for people to talk about whether the leap has been good or not..

How is Nisha (wife Nisha Rawal)’s music video going? Does that keep you busy?

Yes, in fact, I have been traveling with her past few days, and have not got the time to reply to all the queries thrown in by fans about me quitting the show. Her covers keep happening, and the photo will be out sometime in February. So I am busy with that. Hopefully, the photo should be released before I take up the Hong Kong schedule.

Take us though the seven years journey of Yeh Rishta….

Oh, it’s been fantastic. To think that we will be completing 2000 episodes in early March, that’s going to be a huge milestone. I don’t think history will get repeated again and again. To top it all, the TRP has been really good. This shows that the simple drama works. The show is not going anywhere, and I hope we continue like this for as long as we can.

How is your camaraderie with the young actors coming in? 

Again, the fact that there’s no noise from our sets is clear indication that all is well (smiles). On a serious note, we get along very well. Ashnoor Kaur has a lot of fun with me. I keep pulling her legs, and she keeps running to her real mom saying, ‘Dekho maa, bhaiyya kya kar rahe hai’…Rohan (Mehra) and I connect at a different level; we are not so apart in age. And he is like my younger brother. So its fun having both on the sets.

So how does it feel playing father at such a young age?  

Well, it was a conscious decision to play the father. It is going really well, and I am enjoying this phase of the story. The story demanded a leap, and when we were initially informed of it, we were really very happy. It is not that we have been given glasses and white hair. Our looks have not changed, and that’s the best part of it.

How's it sharing screen with Alok Nath, the veteran actor?

It is always nice to act with such respected actors. I have known Alok Nathji for seven years now. He’s been really sweet. In fact, I have aplogized to him whenever I have to shoot scenes where I need to lose my temper at him. He also makes it a point to give his feedbacks to Nisha’s covers.

You recently won the Kalakar Awards. How do you feel on receiving it?

It's a great feeling to receive an award as it gives you a sense of achievement for all the hard work that you have put. Another award added to my rack.

How has life changed for you post marriage?  

I think you get more responsible and protective and grow mature with your partner after marriage. So many spheres to explore together and that's what we are doing.

Have you ever felt in this span of seven years that you have to move on and take a new assignment as an actor?

That is very natural for an actor. I have also thought about it, but have always had a practical approach to life, so continued with the show and making history still.

What do you think is the secret for Yeh Rishta’s prolonged success?

The simple story and chemistry of the characters. No negativity has ever been shown, but it's all about the small cute moments and situations that have held it together.

How has your rapport with Rajanji  (Producer Rajan Shahi) grown over these years?

Mutual respect and admiration for each other has grown over years. It's not easy being a producer and I look up to him and thank him for everything that he has done for me in these 7years.