Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: Full Star Cast from 2009 to 2025 – Real Names, Ages, Then and Now

Since its premiere in 2009, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (YRKKH) has not only become one of Indian television’s longest-running serials but also a cultural phenomenon that shaped family entertainment across generations. From the journey of Akshara and Naitik to the current generation led by Abhira, the show has seen many transitions, new faces, emotional goodbyes, and dramatic twists.

In this in-depth article, we will explore the complete star cast from 2009 to 2025, tracing their real names, ages, and how they’ve transformed over the years. From child actors growing into stars to unforgettable character arcs, this journey is as nostalgic as it is fascinating.

🌟 The Beginning – 2009 Era

1. Hina Khan as Akshara Singhania

Real Name: Hina Khan

Role: The original female protagonist

Age in 2009: 22

Age in 2025: 38

Then: A fresh-faced newcomer who quickly captured hearts with her poise, charm, and natural acting.

Now: Hina is a household name, a fashion icon, and one of TV’s most influential faces. She exited the show in 2016 but remains the face of YRKKH’s golden years.

2. Karan Mehra as Naitik Singhania

Real Name: Karan Mehra

Role: Akshara’s husband and the original male lead

Age in 2009: 27

Age in 2025: 43

Then: Portrayed the ideal son and husband. His chemistry with Hina Khan became the heart of the show.

Now: Post his exit in 2016, Karan took a break from TV, ventured into reality shows, and remains a fan-favorite.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Family Ensemble – 2009–2016

3. Sansey Jain as Varsha (Akshara’s best friend and sister-in-law)

Age in 2009: 24

Age in 2025: 40

Now: Left the show early on but returned in later years as a supporting role.

4. Lata Sabharwal as Rajshri (Akshara’s mother)

Age in 2009: 34

Age in 2025: 50

Then and Now: Known for her graceful portrayal of a loving mother. She left the show after a decade of contribution.

5. Vishal Singh as Raj Shekhar (Naitik’s father)

Age in 2009: 40

Age in 2025: 56

Status: One of the most respected elders in the series’ history.

🍼 The Generation Leap – Naksh and Naira’s Era (2016–2021)

In 2016, the show introduced a generation leap, shifting focus to Akshara and Naitik’s children. This phase added fresh energy and gave us iconic characters.

6. Shivangi Joshi as Naira Goenka

Real Name: Shivangi Joshi

Role: Akshara and Naitik’s daughter

Age in 2016: 18

Age in 2025: 27

Then: A bubbly yet sensitive daughter, Shivangi evolved into a powerhouse performer.

Now: After Naira’s tragic end, Shivangi briefly returned as her lookalike Sirat. She has moved on to OTT and films.

7. Mohsin Khan as Kartik Goenka

Real Name: Mohsin Khan

Role: Naira’s husband

Age in 2016: 24

Age in 2025: 33

Then: Kartik was the dashing young man who redefined romance for YRKKH fans.

Now: After Kartik’s storyline ended, Mohsin stepped away to explore web series and movies.

8. Rishi Dev as Naksh (Akshara’s son, elder brother to Naira)

Age in 2016: 24

Age in 2025: 33

Now: Played an important role in the transition years. Replaced by another actor later.

👨‍👧‍👦 The Next Generation – Aarohi, Abhimanyu, and Abhir Era (2021–2023)

With Kartik and Naira’s story concluding, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai boldly shifted again, introducing new protagonists and family lines.

9. Harshad Chopda as Dr. Abhimanyu Birla

Age in 2021: 38

Age in 2025: 42

Then: Entered as a new-age male lead, balancing passion with professionalism.

Now: Gained massive popularity and exited in 2023.

10. Pranali Rathod as Akshara (Naira’s daughter)

Age in 2021: 22

Age in 2025: 26

Then and Now: Pranali brought freshness and elegance. Her chemistry with Harshad was much loved. She exited with the generation leap.

11. Karishma Sawant as Aarohi (Naira’s other daughter)

Age in 2021: 24

Age in 2025: 28

Then and Now: Portrayed the complex sister beautifully. Remained in the show until her character’s end in 2023.

🚼 The Current Generation – Abhira and Armaan Era (2023–2025)

2023 marked yet another major generational leap, placing the spotlight on Abhira, the daughter of Akshara and Abhinav, and Armaan Poddar, a new male lead.

12. Samridhii Shukla as Abhira Sharma

Age in 2023: 22

Age in 2025: 24

Then: Introduced as a confident, spirited young woman.

Now: Samridhii is currently the heart of the show, redefining the female lead archetype in a modern context.

13. Shehzada Dhami as Armaan Poddar

Age in 2023: 27

Age in 2025: 29

Then: A charming and principled young man, with shades of grey and complexity.

Now: Gaining immense popularity as the current romantic hero.

👵🏻 Veteran Characters Still Loved Today

14. Swati Chitnis as Suhasini Goenka (Dadi)

Age in 2016: 60

Age in 2025: 69

Then and Now: The quintessential matriarch. Still appears occasionally to guide the new generation.

15. Ali Hasan as Akhilesh Goenka

Age in 2016: 38

Age in 2025: 47

Then and Now: Supporting role that remained through many generations.

🧒🏽 Child Actors Who Grew Up With the Show

16. Shreyansh Kaurav as Kairav (Naira’s son)

Debut Age: 5

Age in 2025: 11

Now: Still appears in flashbacks; fondly remembered for his adorable presence.

17. Aarohi and Abhir’s younger versions were played by various child actors whose performances added innocence and emotional strength to the plotlines.

🧭 Evolution of the Show Over Time

2009–2016: Focused on traditional values, marriage, and family unity.

2016–2021: More youth-focused with Kartik and Naira, modern romance.

2021–2023: Complex medical, legal, and emotional storylines with Abhimanyu and Akshara.

2023–2025: Millennial themes, female empowerment, family secrets, and dynamic relationships.

🕰️ Then and Now: The Faces Then vs. The Legends Now

Many of the original cast members have moved on to films, web series, or completely different careers. But for the fans, they remain etched in memory as the characters who once made them cry, laugh, and fall in love with Indian television.

Some, like Hina Khan and Shivangi Joshi, have become national icons. Others, like Mohsin Khan and Harshad Chopda, continue to grow as leading men across platforms. Newer names like Samridhii Shukla are now carrying the legacy forward into the next era.

💬 Fans’ Emotional Reactions

Every leap brings a bittersweet goodbye. Fans flood social media with compilations, “then vs now” comparisons, and emotional tributes to characters long gone. Comments like:

“I grew up watching Akshara and Naitik. Now my daughter watches Abhira and Armaan!”

“From Naira’s first dance to Abhira’s courtroom drama, this show has been with us through generations.”

“Hina Khan walked so Samridhii Shukla could run.”

The loyalty remains strong—even when the faces change.

🎬 Final Thoughts: 16 Years of Legacy and Counting

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai isn’t just a show. It’s a time capsule of evolving Indian society, relationships, and values. From the traditional roots of Akshara and Naitik to the modern-day challenges faced by Abhira and Armaan, it has continued to reinvent itself while staying connected to its emotional core.

Through heartbreaks, weddings, deaths, births, and reunions, one thing has remained constant—the show’s heartbeat lies in its characters and the actors who’ve brought them to life.

As we stand in 2025, we salute every single cast member—past and present—for contributing to this unforgettable legacy.