Indian television marked a historic celebration as Jamnadas Majethia (JD), noted actor, director, producer, and Chairman of the TV & Web Wing of the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), felicitated acclaimed producer Rajan Shahi for creating the longest-running show in Indian TV history, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, which has crossed an unprecedented 5000 episodes.
JD expressed immense pride while honouring Shahi, describing the milestone as one of the greatest achievements the industry has ever witnessed. “We feel proud and take pride in felicitating one of our IFTPC producer members Rajan Shahi, who has created a show which has surpassed 5000 episodes, the longest-running show on Indian television,” he said.
He added that Shahi’s body of work has played a crucial role in raising the stature of television as a medium. “It’s no news that TV was once looked at as a small screen and looked down upon in comparison with films. The success and popularity of Rajan Shahi’s shows gave power and respect to television. We wish greater success ahead to Rajan Shahi and all at Director’s Kut Production," he said.
JD also reflected on their long-standing association that began in 2008, and said, “Rajan Shahi and I go a long way back. He played a major role when we were creating a structure for the then rapidly growing daily-soaps operations which lacked system.”
He praised Shahi’s contributions to the IFTPC, recalling, “He has been part of many committees at IFTPC, where we all cherished a lot of good time making some revolutionary decisions to make the industry work on fair trade practices. I love the way he takes care of his mother and keeps her involved at all levels of work and success. Hats off to him."
Shahi expressed gratitude upon receiving the honour. He said, “Being honoured by a prestigious producers’ body like the IFTPC is truly a big achievement. I am thankful to J.D. Majethia and grateful to Star Plus for Yeh Ristha Kya Kehlata Hai. YRKKH is the first Indian television show to achieve this milestone, and this is not just an achievement for DKP or Rajan Shahi, but for the entire television industry.”
