Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (YRKKH) is not just a television show; it is a cultural phenomenon that has touched the hearts of millions across India and around the world. First aired on January 12, 2009, on Star Plus, this show has made history by becoming one of the longest-running Hindi television serials. Over the years, it has continued to evolve with changing generations, yet it has maintained its core values — love, family, relationships, and Indian traditions.
The Beginning: Akshara and Naitik’s Eternal Love Story
The initial storyline of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai revolved around Akshara (played by Hina Khan) and Naitik (played by Karan Mehra). Their arranged marriage turned into a beautiful tale of love, adjustment, and mutual respect. Set in a traditional Marwari family, the show portrayed the nuances of joint family life, responsibilities after marriage, and the strength of marital bonds.
Akshara and Naitik’s chemistry was simple yet powerful. Viewers watched their journey through ups and downs, from becoming parents to handling misunderstandings and maintaining relationships with their extended family members.
Passing the Torch: Naira and Kartik’s Generation
After Hina Khan and Karan Mehra left the show, the story took a generational leap introducing Akshara and Naitik’s daughter Naira (played by Shivangi Joshi) and her love interest Kartik (played by Mohsin Khan). This phase brought a fresh wave of energy, and the show redefined itself to cater to the younger audience.
Naira and Kartik’s love story, popularly known as #Kaira, became one of the most iconic jodis in Indian television history. Their journey from college romance to marriage, parenthood, separation, and reunion was full of emotional highs and lows that captivated fans.
What stood out during this phase was how the show tackled modern issues — gender roles, personal aspirations, family expectations, and women empowerment. Naira was shown as a strong, independent woman who stood up for what she believed in while balancing her duties as a wife and daughter-in-law.
Tragedy, Transformation, and New Beginnings
The show took a bold step when the character of Naira was killed off, leaving fans heartbroken. However, Shivangi Joshi returned in a new avatar as Sirat, a boxer who later marries Kartik. This phase of the show introduced themes of second chances, overcoming grief, and finding love again.
Kartik and Sirat’s relationship took time to blossom, and viewers were drawn into the emotional complexity of their bond. Eventually, Kartik’s character was also written off, paving the way for another generational leap.
New Era: Akshara and Abhimanyu – A Musical Tale of Love
The current generation of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai features Akshara (played by Pranali Rathod) and Abhimanyu (played by Harshad Chopda). This storyline combines the richness of emotions with fresh, youthful energy. Akshara is portrayed as a gifted singer and healer, while Abhimanyu is a successful doctor. Their love story is intense, passionate, and full of emotional turmoil.
This chapter also explores mental health, family pressure, infertility, and personal healing — topics that are rarely portrayed so sensitively in mainstream Indian television. The chemistry between Abhimanyu and Akshara, lovingly known as #AbhiRa, has become a fan favorite.
As the story progresses, their journey continues to touch upon how love can survive through hardships and how relationships need constant nurturing.
Cultural Significance and Social Impact
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has stood out for its portrayal of Indian values, customs, and festivals. From traditional weddings to naming ceremonies, from Teej to Holi, the show has always celebrated Indian culture with grandeur and authenticity.
More importantly, it has been a mirror to society, showing how families face challenges, fight, and yet stay united. It has broken several stereotypes over the years — be it about women working after marriage, remarriage, step-parenting, or co-parenting.
It’s one of the few shows that has gracefully evolved with changing times without losing its emotional core.
Behind the Success: Teamwork and Vision
The show is produced by Rajan Shahi under Director’s Kut Productions, and its longevity is a testament to the team’s hard work, vision, and ability to reinvent the story while staying true to its roots.
The writers, directors, and actors have all contributed immensely to keeping the story engaging for over 15 years — a rare feat in Indian television.
Fan Following and Awards
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai enjoys a massive fan base across age groups. From social media fan clubs to trending hashtags, the show’s loyal viewers have ensured that it remains in the spotlight.
It has won numerous awards including Indian Telly Awards, ITA Awards, and Gold Awards for Best Serial, Best Jodi, Best Actress, and more. The lead actors have often been praised for their powerful performances and chemistry.
Conclusion: Why Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Still Matters
In a world of fast-paced web series and short attention spans, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai proves that a well-written, emotionally rich family drama can still hold audiences spellbound. Its ability to connect with viewers across generations is its biggest strength.
More than just a show, YRKKH is a celebration of life, relationships, and the essence of being Indian. Whether it’s a teenager watching for the love story, a homemaker relating to the family drama, or elders enjoying the traditions — there’s something in it for everyone.
As new characters emerge and stories unfold, one thing is certain — Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is here to stay and continue to redefine the meaning of love and family on Indian television.
