Rajan Shahi Exclusive: 35-Year TV Journey and Legacy of Iconic Shows

Rajan Shahi, the creative force behind Director’s Kut Productions (DKP), has given the television world some of its most iconic shows — Anupamaa, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and Sapna Babul Ka... Bidaai. His journey began with a legacy rooted in cinema and grew into an inspiring success story in television. Encouraged by his grandfather’s advice to explore the medium of TV, Rajan today stands as a symbol of creative production, where three generations of his family — his mother, Deepa Shahi, and daughter, Ishika Shahi — actively contribute. Recently, he shared his story of struggles, inspirations, and milestones with Mayapuri. (Rajan Sahi Directors Cut Productions shows)

How did your journey in the television industry begin? Can you share any particularly challenging experience?

This story begins with my grandfather, P. Jairaj, who was a part of the film industry. His debut was in 1929 — he was a hero of the silent film era. He worked as an actor for almost 70 years. In 1981, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award from the President of India, and in 1952, he was also honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.

As for my father, he had no connection with films. He studied at St. Columba’s School in Delhi — the same school where Shah Rukh Khan was our senior, about six years ahead of us. Shah Rukh was extremely active in both school and theatre. To be honest, he was our hero back then — and still is. Watching his plays used to fill us with pride.

After graduating from Hindu College, I came to Mumbai in the 1990s and started assisting on sets, as I had always been close to my grandfather — though by then, he had retired. During my college vacations, I worked as an assistant on film shoots. I got the chance to work with legends like Gulzar, Sanjay Khan, and Lekh Tandon. In 1993, I began working officially as a production boy and assistant director. My dream was always to make my own films. My grandfather had a bungalow on Carter Road, but I chose not to live there.

I preferred to live in Andheri so that I could develop my struggle and self-reliance instincts. I shared a 1BHK flat with six boys for six years. I worked in over 30 advertisements as a junior artist and production boy, but my heart was always in the direction.

Around that time, my grandfather gave me a life-changing piece of advice — he said, “Go into television; that’s the future.” People back then considered TV a smaller medium, but I trusted his words and joined Ravi Rai. I worked as an associate director on several of his serials (Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zarurat Hai). That’s where I got my first independent show — Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahi (Sony TV). Interestingly, I cast Rupali Ganguly as the lead actress in that show in 1999.

When Anupamaa began, it had already been over five and a half years since I last worked with her — and that show became my first production under DKP. It feels like a 25-year-long journey that has now come full circle.

Another major turning point in my career came when my mentor, Uday Shankar (then head of Star Plus) gave me my first break as a producer. He trusted me with Bidaai — and later, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. That collaboration led to several successful projects together. Mahesh Bhatt has also had a deep impact on my creative journey. I worked with him for around four years, creating five to six shows. From him, I learned not just the art of storytelling but also the philosophy of life. His profound understanding of human relationships deeply influences my shows even today.

It’s been 35 years in this industry, and every day still feels new. I’m proud that the journey my grandfather started in 1929 continues to this day. My mother, Deepa Shahi, too, produced a show for mothers in which Rupali delivered a fantastic performance. And now, my daughter Ishika Shahi has started her own web platform company — she works as a producer, director, writer, and creative head for web series. I’m happy that in the next four years, our family will complete 100 years in the film and television industry.

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As a producer, what do you find the most exciting and the most challenging — the script, casting, or production?

I see myself as a creative producer. I believe that it’s essential to be deeply involved in every aspect of a project — from story to execution. Many people focus only on the story, but the real difference lies in how it’s executed. In television, we telecast seven days a week, meaning we deliver a 30-minute episode every single day. Imagine the coordination needed — execution, editing, music, performance, guiding the actors — everything must move in perfect sync. That’s why I named my company Director’s Kut — so that the production always aligns with the director’s vision and gives creativity its rightful direction.

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Every day brings new challenges. For me, the toughest part has always been to ensure that every single episode feels strong and engaging — never weak or rushed. Both the broadcaster and the audience put immense trust in us, and maintaining that trust is the biggest responsibility. We usually have less than 24 hours to deliver an episode. During that time, managing every department, ensuring time discipline, and bringing the same creative thought to the screen — that’s the real test.

Sometimes the issue lies in the script, sometimes in execution, direction, or production — but the constant effort is to ensure that the vision we began with reaches the audience just as intended. That’s the real satisfaction — and the challenge.

In 2025, OTT platforms dominate the entertainment space. Do you have any upcoming web or OTT projects planned?

OTT is a brilliant platform for today’s audience. We too created a show for Disney+ Hotstar titled Namaste America, which was produced by my daughter Ishika Shahi under her own banner, Shahi Productions. It had 12 episodes, and it explored Anupamaa’s life 26 years before the events of the current show. I feel proud that under DKP, I’ve produced around 10–12 successful shows, including Bidaai and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. My mother, Deepa Shahi, started Shahi Productions at the age of 78, and Anupamaa was the first show under her company, where she was credited as the creator.

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Now, my daughter Ishika runs the same company name with a new vision. Her team and setup are entirely independent, and though I don’t interfere much, she’s doing fantastic work in the OTT and digital space. She’s currently on her third production, where she supervises, writes, co-directs, and produces. She’s planning to launch 8–9 new shows under her YouTube banner next January. I believe Ishika has taken charge of the OTT and digital division completely, while I stay involved as a super-managing partner. We’re both very hopeful about the future.

Today, TV and film industries are evolving rapidly. How do you view this change, and what message would you like to give aspiring artists?

The industry is growing at lightning speed. Today, India is full of incredible talent in acting, dance, singing, or even cooking. From reality shows to TV, film, and OTT — there are opportunities everywhere. In our company, three teams work under one roof. I’ve observed that today’s youth are extremely clear about what they want. It took our generation time to understand things, but this new generation has a focused mindset.

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I want to tell every newcomer that there are no shortcuts in this industry. Even if you find one, it won’t last long — whether you’re an actor, director, or creative professional. True success comes only through hard work and the will to learn.

Our companies — Director’s Kut Productions, Shahi Productions, and Ayeshahi Productions — have also taken strong action against fraudulent people who cheat new artists for money. We even caught a fake group operating in North India. So, I want to tell every aspiring artist — never fall into such traps. Work comes through merit, not favors. Stay focused, work hard, and choose the right path — that’s the only road to success.

You’ve seen many milestones in your career. Is there a particular moment that you consider the turning point of your life?

Yes, absolutely. The real turning point in my life came in 2007. At that time, I was a technician who had directed around 15 series, but I was not yet a producer. Back then, especially on Star Plus, only big producers were invited.

When Uday Shankar (who was then the head of Star Plus and is now the Vice Chairman of Jio Hotstar) took charge, he took a huge risk — he gave me my first break as a producer. I remain deeply grateful for his trust and vision. That one decision led to Sapna Babul Ka... Bidaai and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, both of which changed my life completely.

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I still remember, during Anupamaa, there was a minor issue regarding the spelling of the title — and Mr. Uday Shankar himself messaged me about it. Despite being in such a powerful position, his attention to detail and positive outlook were truly inspiring. He has always shown me immense respect and trust, and for that, I thank him from the bottom of my heart.

Rajan Shahi is not just a producer but a creative visionary who turned television into a reflection of family, emotions, and truth. His story proves that legacy, hard work, and mentorship together create history.

FAQs

Who is Rajan Shahi?

Rajan Shahi is a prominent producer and director in the Indian television industry. His company, Director's Kut Productions (DKP), has produced several hit TV shows such as Anupamaa, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and Sapna Babul Ka... Bidaai.

How did Rajan Shahi enter the TV industry?

Rajan Shahi comes from a film family. His maternal grandfather, P. Jayaraj, was an actor of the silent film era. Following his grandfather's advice, Rajan began his career in the television industry.

Who in Rajan Shahi's family is active in TV production?

Three generations of Rajan Shahi's family are active in the TV industry: his mother  Deepa Shahi, daughter Ishika Shahi, and Rajan Shahi himself.

What are the major shows of Rajan Shahi's company, Director's Cut Productions (DKP)?

The major shows of his company are:

• Anupama

• Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

• Sapna Babul Ka... Bidaai

Who was Rajan Shahi's maternal grandfather, P. Jayaraj?

P. Jayaraj was an actor of the silent film era. He debuted in 1929 and remained active in the film industry for nearly 70 years. He was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1981 and the Filmfare Achievement Award in 1952.

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