Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Hindi for "What is this relationship called?") is an Indian Hindi-language television soap opera that premiered on 12 January 2009 on the general entertainment channel StarPlus. Produced by Rajan Shahi under the banner Director's Kut Productions, it is one of the longest-running scripted television series in Indian television history and is broadcast internationally on Star's network as well as on the streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar.
The serial centres on family life, marriage, intergenerational relationships and traditions within a Marwari joint family setting, originally based in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Over the years, the storyline has progressed through generational leaps, shifting focus from the original protagonists to their children and grandchildren.
| Title | Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai |
|---|---|
| Genre | Soap opera, family drama |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Original network | StarPlus |
| Streaming | Disney+ Hotstar |
| Original release | 12 January 2009 – present |
| Producer | Rajan Shahi |
| Production company | Director's Kut Productions |
| Country of origin | India |
| Setting | Udaipur (later Mumbai and other locations) |
The show was conceived by Rajan Shahi, an established producer associated with several family-oriented Hindi serials. Its initial premise revolved around an arranged marriage between Akshara and Naitik Singhania, two young people from traditional Marwari families, and explored the gradual development of love, understanding and responsibility within an extended joint family. The narrative drew on themes of household rituals, festivals, parenting, professional aspirations and the negotiation of modern values within a culturally conservative environment.
The series has undergone multiple generational leaps, a storytelling device through which the central characters age, retire from the foreground and make way for the next generation. This structure has allowed the show to refresh its principal cast while maintaining narrative continuity.
Episodes are typically shot at studio sets in Mumbai, with outdoor sequences filmed on location in Rajasthan and other parts of India. The serial follows the standard Indian daily soap format, with new episodes airing on weekdays. Background score, costume design influenced by Marwari culture, and elaborate wedding and festival sequences have been recurring stylistic features.
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has consistently featured among the highest-rated Hindi general entertainment programmes in the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) ratings. It is widely regarded as one of the flagship shows of StarPlus and has contributed significantly to the channel's prime-time line-up.
The show has won several Indian television honours, including multiple Star Parivaar Awards and Indian Television Academy Awards across categories such as Best Drama Series, Best Actor and Best Actress. Its longevity has made it a reference point in discussions of long-running Indian soap operas, alongside titles such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
Several of its leading actors, including Hina Khan, Shivangi Joshi and Mohsin Khan, achieved widespread popularity through the series and went on to participate in other television projects and reality shows.
A spin-off titled Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: Bade Achhe Lagte Hain-style continuation called Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai's extended universe includes the spin-off series Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke (2019), which followed an adjacent set of characters within a similar familial framework. Additional related programming has been produced by Director's Kut Productions for StarPlus over the years.