Super producer Rajan Shahi reveals the secrets of his success

Indian TV has become such a dominant force that it regularly draws in millions of viewers from around the world and delivers addictive shows such as hit dramatic serials.

One of the key driving forces behind this multi-billion dollar TV revolution has been Rajan Shahi. He has gone from directing successful serials to producing hit shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, which has been drawing in viewers for 10 years.

Although the hard-working creative genius has had many highs in his 26-year long career, he doesn’t like looking back. “I think television doesn’t give you the luxury of looking back. You always have to look forward because TV is a medium, which keeps you on your toes. Every day, you have to re-evolve and re-invent yourself in order to survive, and looking back would be to see your mistakes, so the motto is to just look forward,” explained Rajan.

Having started his journey in 1993, Rajan has seen a relatively small Indian TV industry grow into a global giant with countless shows, channels and production houses competing for lucrative airtime. He started off directing shows like Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi, Saat Phere, Milee, Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan, Hamare Tumhare and Dil Hain Ki Maanta Nahin. “All these shows were different genres and each was very special, and a learning opportunity,” he said.

Arguably the biggest success of his career has been Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, which has been going strong since 2009. He admits that no one can predict the success of a show, but says the family-drama had a strong start by justifying its prime time slot and that its uniqueness made a connection with audiences. He is also full of praise for the entire cast and crew. “Be it Mohsin Khan, Rithvik Arora, Rhea Sharma, Shivangi Joshi, Kaveri Priyam or the rest of the cast, all the actors have played their characters well and give it their best in the show. They are intelligent enough to make their characters very strong and to re-evolve and re-invent with the times.

“Also, a great team packages the show very well, be it writers, directors, musicians, creative people and everyone else, who work hard to create the perfect package around the cast.”

Earlier this year, the big-thinking TV executive launched the Yeh Rishta Kya Kehalata Hain spin-off series Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, which he says talks about relationships and courtships, but of 2019. Asked about the secrets of producing a great show, he smiled and said: “There is no secret, as every producer tries putting in their best and works hard towards the success of the show. Good shows have a good team in totality and will ultimately have to connect with audiences. There’s no secret formula and if there would have been, then even all my shows would have been a success, which is not the case.”

Looking ahead, Rajan’s predictions for television are that it will continue evolving at a path-breaking speed, and that producers will need to re-evolve and change as per audience preferences. “We can no longer go by the creative instincts that we used to, earlier. Now there are a lot of marketing strategies along with a need to understand audiences, changing times, economics and changing societies. We also need to understand the changing role of a man and woman in a relationship, and family dynamics, which keeps the makers on their feet today.

“I think television in India today is at its very best and on par with the world.”

It becomes apparent how he is in tune with changing trends, audiences and society, as a whole. Apart from his shows, Rajan is fond of watching travel shows, documentaries and real-life inspiring stories.

Asked about his greatest unfulfilled ambitions, Rajan said: “I don’t think there is any because I do not see the journey ending very soon, I think it all comes with time and there is nothing unfulfilled at the moment.”

Rajan says he enjoys working on TV because of the day-to-day connections with viewers and the opportunity to get positive results from hard work.

Other aspects about TV he enjoys are the endless creative avenues and how it connects diverse cultures along with giving so many people job opportunities. “I am really proud of Indian TV as it’s seen worldwide and showcases our talent. When we travel internationally, people immediately connect with us, talk about our stories and how Indian TV has made a huge impact on their lives. Indian television has given all the amazing talent not only national, but international recognition.”