TV Is Also An Extremely Powerful Medium: Rajan Shahi On The Stalking Track In Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

Rajan Shahi, the ace producer behind some of Indian television's most beloved shows like Sapna Babul Ka...Bidaai, Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, Havan, Amrit Manthan, Woh Toh Hai Albelaa, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Anupamaa, among others, has always believed that television is made for a bigger purpose than entertainment. With the recent stalking track in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, he and his team at Director's Kut Production made a conscious effort to use the show's platform to address a pressing real-world issue.

He said, "As a maker of shows ranging from Bidaai to Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Anupamaa, and many others, I have always felt strongly that while we are in the entertainment industry and our primary objective is to entertain, television is also an extremely powerful medium."

For him, the characters audiences follow carry real weight. He said, "Characters like Armaan, Abhira, and Anupamaa become a part of millions of households. People connect deeply with them, and whatever they say or do has a significant impact on viewers. Their views on social issues can influence society, and therefore, we should use these characters as powerful tools to convey meaningful messages."

The decision to tackle stalking was deliberate and rooted and he said, "The idea behind the current track was to address the issue of stalking, which is unfortunately a very common problem not only in India but across the world. Young girls are often stalked, harassed, and bullied, leading to a traumatic experience not only for them but also for their families."

Beyond dramatising the issue on screen, the DKP team went a step further. He said, "We wanted to highlight the importance of family support during such difficult situations and encourage open conversations on the subject. With this objective, the DKP team took the initiative to create a video featuring Armaan, Abhira, Myra, and Mukti, where two generations come together to discuss the support systems available to children, what steps should be taken when such incidents occur, and whom they can reach out to for help."

"The video also emphasizes that no one should feel scared or ashamed to report such incidents. Helpline numbers were shared as part of the initiative to ensure that viewers have access to the right resources when needed," he added.

The track also worked on a narrative level, adding a new dimension to Armaan and Abhira's story. He said, "In Armaan and Abhira's journey as young parents, this track presents a new realization for them, that their daughter is growing up and may face challenges such as bullying, harassment, or stalking. It is a situation that many parents can relate to and learn from."

He is content with the response the track achieved and said, "I believe this stalking track has brought attention to a very important social issue that affects our society. The video created and circulated by the DKP team was an effort to raise awareness and encourage conversations around the subject."

Looking ahead, he remains committed to using his shows as platforms for conversations that matter. "I hope we continue to address many such relevant and pressing social issues through our shows. As creators, we have a responsibility that goes beyond entertainment. Television is a powerful medium, and we must use it to spread awareness, inspire positive change, and contribute meaningfully to society," Rajan ended.