LONG-RUNNING Indian TV series Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai connected with a brand-new generation of fans when they introduced new characters Kartik and Naira, played respectively by Shivangi Joshi and Mohsin Khan. Their sizzling chemistry has led to fan clubs dedicated to the rising stars and characters they play.
One group of hard-working friends who wish to remain anonymous run a popular fan club dedicated to the onscreen couple.
Eastern Eye caught up with them to find out more.
What made you set up the fan club?
When Kartik and Naira were introduced, they became popular. Their onscreen chemistry made us go crazy for them, so we made a fan club for Kaira [Kartik + Naira] so people can connect with us and get the latest updates on them.
Tell us about your fan club?
Our fan club is dedicated to the most perfect, cutest and down-to-earth couple on Indian television, Mohsin Khan and Shivangi Joshi. This fan club is dedicated to all Kaira fans so they can get the latest updates on Twitter.
What has been your memorable moment so far?
The journey so far has been special and close to our hearts, so it’s difficult to choose one moment. Each moment has been truly amazing.
What is the best thing you like about Mohsin Khan and Shivangi Joshi?
We love everything about them. They are two beautiful human beings with the most humble and down-to-earth personalities that you could ever hope to come across. They are stars, but treat us like their family.
What is your favourite work they have done?
We are very proud of everything they have done. The fantastic chemistry they are sharing on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is amazing and they are connecting audiences through their hard work.
Tell us an interesting fact about them?
They struggled to get where they are today. They have taken over as lead characters of an eight-year-long show and brought it to number one on Star Plus.
Finally, what is your definition of a true fan?
A true fan is one who loves, respects and supports their favourite celebrity unconditionally. They support them in all their decisions and respect their privacy.
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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