What is this relationship? All-star cast from 2009 to 2025 | Real names and ages | Then and Now

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“Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: The Incredible Evolution of its Star Cast from 2009 to 2025”

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (YRKKH), a name that has become synonymous with family drama and changing Indian television, has captured the hearts of millions since its debut in 2009. With its incredible run spanning more than a decade, the show has introduced audiences to numerous beloved characters, from Akshara and Naitik to the current Abhira and Armaan. In this article, we take a trip down memory lane, revisiting the star cast from 2009 to 2025, highlighting their transformations, ages, and current projects.

The Golden Era (2009-2016)

1. Hina Khan as Akshara Singhania
Then: Hina Khan’s portrayal of Akshara made her an instant household name. As the innocent and resilient Akshara, she navigated the complex dynamics of child marriage, making a lasting impact.
Now: At 38, Hina has evolved into one of the most influential television personalities in India. Though she left YRKKH in 2016, Hina continues to be a prominent face in the entertainment industry, moving on to films and reality shows.

2. Karan Mehra as Naitik Singhania
Then: Karan Mehra’s portrayal of Naitik, the loving husband and son, was loved by fans for his calm demeanor and unwavering support for Akshara.
Now: At 43, Karan has stepped away from television after his exit in 2016. He remains active in other ventures, including reality television, and his fans still fondly remember his iconic role.

3. Sansey Jain as Varsha
Then: Playing Akshara’s best friend and sister-in-law, Varsha, Sansey Jain’s role added much-needed emotional depth to the show.
Now: Sansey has made occasional returns but remains relatively low-key in the industry. Fans continue to remember her as one of the supportive pillars in the early YRKKH years.

4. Lata Sabharwal as Rajshri
Then: As Akshara’s mother, Lata Sabharwal’s portrayal of Rajshri brought warmth and love to the show.
Now: At 50, Lata has continued to take on small roles but remains a significant part of YRKKH’s legacy, known for her loving, motherly character.

The Leap to New Generations (2016-2021)

5. Shivangi Joshi as Naira Goenka
Then: As Akshara’s daughter, Shivangi Joshi’s Naira brought a refreshing new energy to the show. Her journey from a bubbly girl to a mature woman facing love and heartbreak resonated with fans.
Now: At 27, Shivangi has continued her career in both television and OTT, briefly returning as Naira’s lookalike Sirat after Naira’s tragic exit.

6. Mohsin Khan as Kartik Goenka
Then: Mohsin Khan’s Kartik was the quintessential romantic lead who grew alongside Naira, adding chemistry and depth to their relationship.
Now: At 33, Mohsin has moved on to explore web series and films, though he still remains closely associated with his role as Kartik.

7. Rishi Dev as Naksh Singhania
Then: Rishi Dev’s Naksh was Akshara and Naitik’s son, playing a key role in the transition of the show from one generation to the next.
Now: At 33, Rishi’s career has seen some transitions, but his role as Naksh continues to be remembered as a crucial part of the YRKKH family dynamics.

A New Era (2021-2023)

8. Harshad Chopda as Abhimanyu Birla
Then: Harshad Chopda’s entry into YRKKH brought a new kind of intensity and charisma as Abhimanyu Birla. His chemistry with Pranali Rathod’s Akshara captured hearts.
Now: At 42, Harshad remains a fan favorite, though he exited the show in 2023 after his character’s arc concluded.

9. Pranali Rathod as Akshara Goenka
Then: Pranali’s portrayal of Akshara, Naira’s daughter, brought new freshness to the show, making her a beloved character in the revamped narrative.
Now: At 26, Pranali continues to be a major face on Indian television and remains integral to the new storyline.

10. Karishma Sawant as Aarohi Goenka
Then: As Naira’s other daughter, Karishma Sawant’s portrayal of Aarohi added complexity and depth to the evolving family dynamics.
Now: At 28, Karishma has become a significant presence in the entertainment industry.

The Current Generation (2023-2025)

11. Samridhii Shukla as Abhira Sharma
Then: Samridhii Shukla’s portrayal of Abhira, the new female lead, brought a refreshing change with her bold and confident approach.
Now: At 24, Samridhii has become the heart of YRKKH, redefining the role of the female protagonist in a modern context.

12. Shehzada Dhami as Armaan Poddar
Then: The dashing and principled Armaan, played by Shehzada Dhami, has been receiving praise for his portrayal of a young man balancing complexities in relationships.
Now: At 29, Shehzada has emerged as one of the leading romantic heroes in YRKKH.

Veteran Characters Still Loved

13. Swati Chitnis as Suhasini Goenka
Then: As the wise and loving matriarch of the Goenka family, Swati Chitnis’ character, Suhasini, continues to be fondly remembered.
Now: At 69, Swati makes occasional appearances and is still loved for her warm and motherly persona.

14. Ali Hasan as Akhilesh Goenka
Then: Ali Hasan’s portrayal of Akhilesh, a supporting role that was integral to the family dynamic, is still appreciated by fans.
Now: At 47, Ali remains part of the YRKKH legacy, making his presence felt throughout the seasons.

The Impact of Generational Leaps

From Akshara and Naitik’s era to Abhira and Armaan’s reign, YRKKH has never shied away from reinventing itself. The show has shifted its narrative focus, bringing in fresh faces, new storylines, and contemporary themes. Each generational leap has been met with mixed emotions, but it is also a reflection of how the show has remained relevant through evolving times.

Fans’ Emotional Reactions to Change

Every leap in YRKKH brings forth waves of nostalgia and emotion. Fans flock to social media with tributes to the characters and actors who once defined their television experience. Comments such as:

“Watching Akshara and Naitik was my childhood, now I watch Abhira and Armaan.”

“The journey of Naira and Kartik was unmatched, but I am loving the current plot too.”

“Shivangi Joshi’s Naira walked so Samridhii Shukla’s Abhira could run.”

These comments reflect the ever-growing connection fans have with the show and its characters.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Endures

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is more than just a television show—it’s a cultural institution that has shaped how families across India view relationships, marriage, and generational challenges. The series has adapted beautifully to modern times while retaining the emotional depth that made it a sensation in the first place.

As the show continues its journey, the stars who have been part of this saga—from Hina Khan to Samridhii Shukla—will remain etched in the hearts of viewers, immortalized by their powerful portrayals. The show’s success is a testament to its ability to evolve with the times while keeping the emotional core intact.

YRKKH will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans, and its legacy will continue to inspire future generations of television viewers.