Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is an Indian Hindi-language romantic family drama television series that airs on StarPlus and streams on Disney+ Hotstar. It premiered on 12 January 2009 and is the longest running Indian television soap opera, having been on the air for over 14 years. Produced by Rajan Shahi under the banner of Director’s Kut Productions, the show has featured several popular actors over the years.
Plot of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai:
Initially, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai focused on the arranged marriage between Akshara Maheshwari and Naitik Singhania, both from Marwari joint families. The two leads, played convincingly by Hina Khan and Karan Mehra, portrayed how Akshara and Naitik gradually fell in love after their wedding, overcame adjustment issues living in large families, and became parents to young children.
After around 7 years, the producers decided to shift the focus to the next generation. The plot now centered on the marital life of Akshara and Naitik’s daughter Naira, played by Shivangi Joshi, and her husband Kartik Goenka, portrayed by Mohsin Khan.
In keeping with the show’s concept, another generation leap was taken in late 2023. The story progressed to Naira and Kartik’s daughters Akshara Goenka and Aarohi Goenka, played by new young actors Samridhii Shukla and Shehzada Dhami. This allowed the show to continue appealing to audiences while retaining its core premise of following the ties between family members over generations.
Main Cast:
Vishal Singh (Naitik Singhania)
Vishal Singh portrayed the role of Naitik Singhania, a handsome and youthful man who is the typical son of a Marwari family. As the only son among daughters, Naitik was pampered and fussed over. Though sensitive and caring towards others, Naitik is proud of being born a boy. His character represents the tied traditions and customs of a Marwari family. Together with Akshara, Naitik embarks on a journey where both shed their facades and accept each other’s natural elements.
Hina Khan (Akshara Singhania)
Hina Khan played the role of Akshara, a simple and sweet girl brought up in a traditional Marwari family. As the only daughter in three generations, she is adored and pampered by all, yet must follow the same strict rules and regulations. Akshara has a lively nature that shows through her expressive eyes and attitude of accepting life as it is. She is not chirpy yet has a lively nature. Her character represents obedience to customs while also having a progressive streak that falls for Naitik.
Mohsin Khan (Kartik Goenka)
Mohsin Khan played the role of Kartik Goenka in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. He began his career as an assistant director before venturing into acting with Nisha Aur Uske Cousins. However, Mohsin rose to popularity with his portrayal of Kartik opposite Shivangi Joshi’s Naira in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Their chemistry was widely appreciated and established Mohsin as a leading television actor.
Shivangi Joshi (Naira Goenka)
Shivangi Joshi portrayed the character of Naira Singhania Goenka in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. She made her acting debut in 2013 but became a household name through the role of Naira opposite Mohsin Khan. Her performance won Shivangi numerous awards including Best Actress awards at major Indian television award shows. As one of the most popular television actresses, her character Naira left a lasting impression on loyal fans.
Samridhi Shukla
Samridhi Shukla will be portraying the role of Akshara in the generational leap of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Her character Akshara is the daughter of Pranali Rathod and Jay Soni’s characters Abhira and Abhinav in the show. Samridhi started her career dubbing for projects like The Kissing Booth 2 and Gunjan Saxena. She made her acting debut in 2021 with the Kannada film Taj Mahal 2 as the female lead. Samridhi entered Indian television in 2022, playing the protagonist in Colors TV’s Saavi Ki Savaari opposite Farman Haider.
Supporting Cast:
Sanjeev Seth (Vishambhar Nath)
Sanjeev Seth plays the patriarch Vishambhar Nath, who is authoritative and dominating as the bearer of the family torch. As a strict disciplinarian who staunchly follows traditions, he comes across as firm with his son Shaurya but is more lenient with his daughter Akshara. Though he adores her, Vishambhar has made clear she must abide by societal rules.
Lata Sabharwal Seth (Rajshri)
Lata Sabharwal Seth portrays Rajshri, the lady of the house. As the eldest daughter-in-law, Rajshri shoulders many duties, chief among them keeping the family united. She is affectionate yet strict with Akshara, while pampering Anshuman, her husband’s sister’s son. Rajshri is an attractive, simple woman who exhibits emotions freely. She cannot deal with tension and never confronts her husband publicly, fiercely guarding his image.
Pooja Joshi (Varsha)
Pooja Joshi portrayed Akshara’s best friend Varsha, who is as lively and innocent as her. They share girlie secrets and sorrows, making Varsha Akshara’s ‘best friend’. As an only child who lost her father at a young age, Varsha is more practical and self-reliant than Akshara. Varsha is a regular at Akshara’s house and has secretly fallen in love with her brother Shaurya, a fact she has kept even from Akshara.
Amann Sharma (Anshuman)
Amann Shharma played the role of Anshuman, the youngest kid in the house. An extremely amiable boy who hates studying and loves food, he is cuddly and overweight. Anshuman is a smart child who often lightens the mood with witty one-liners during tense situations. He is adored and spoiled by all, especially Rajashri. His character provides comic relief and smiles to the audience.
Amardeep Jha (Shankari Tai)
Amardeep Jha portrayed the character of Shankari Tai, Udaipur’s renowned matchmaker sought after by parents for her skill in arranging perfect matches. Shankari Tai is a colorful personality with a sharp wit. Her wisdom and unique perspective on relationships have made her an expert not just at matching eligible prospects but specifically making matches that are ideal fits for each other. As the matchmaker responsible for Akshara and Naitik’s union, her character represents the role of the matchmaker in Indian society.