MUMBAI: With a strong story line and an even stronger cast, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Star Plus), produced by Rajan Shahi (Director’s Kut Productions), is among the longest-running shows.

Rajan has always credited his team for the show’s success. In fact, the show has recently bagged awards for the Best Jodi, Hall Of Fame, and Supporting Actor, and has won more than 100 awards during its tenure. “This is because of the hard work of the entire team. The day we got these awards, I opened my heart to my team that I hope they keep in mind; there is no one bigger than the show. I always hope and pray that every member of my team including me should remember this,” says Rajan.

“I always tell my actors that every person in the industry, be it a newcomer or the top actor or actress, wants to be part of a successful show so they should value it and always acknowledge and value the people who work behind the camera. You have achieved this because of your hard work and dedication. With the glory come expectations and more hard work. Till they have their head on their shoulders, they will have a good journey," he further adds.

The show, which is popular for showcasing family relationships, has managed to keep the audience hooked to their TV screens for almost 9 years. No character is independent of family ties in the show, which is what makes it so unique.

Elaborating on this, Rajan says, “There are no isolated characters. Kartik (Mohsin Khan) is relevant not only because he is Naira’s (Shivangi Joshi) husband, but because he is a son, a grandson, brother and cousin. Naira is also not only Kartik's wife but is also a daughter, daughter-in-law, sister and granddaughter,” he says.

(Also Read: "Karan Tacker was signed to play the role of Naitik in Yeh Rishta..," revealed Rajan Shahi)

The realistic plot and storylines of the show have also helped the younger generation relate to it. All relationships, whether between Kartik and Naira or Naksh and Keerti, are shown to have their own ups and downs. The characters are defined in the context of their families as well as their relationship with each other. “It is not a fantastical journey; it is a realistic journey with its own sets of ups and downs. These couples are not shown to be perfect,” he says.

Another reason for the show to have become so loved is the social issues that it touches upon frequently. The show has been really reaching out to the youth with strong messages on topics such as stalking and education after marriage.

Well, it won’t be an exaggeration to say that the cast and crew behind the lens have contributed equally to the success of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Here’s wishing Rajan Shahi and his team many more successful years on screen!