The beloved and long-running television drama Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai was honoured with the Television Series of the Year award at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025, celebrating its enduring legacy, heartfelt storytelling and immense cultural impact on Indian television.

Mumbai, Maharashtra – The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025, India’s most prestigious platform for celebrating creative excellence, felicitated Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai as Television Series of the Year for its exceptional contribution to Indian entertainment. The grand event, held at DOME, SVP Stadium, Mumbai, witnessed a gathering of eminent figures from cinema, music and television, uniting under one grand celebration of artistic brilliance and cultural pride.

This year’s theme, “A World Stage – The Global Legacy of Indian Cinema,” highlighted the festival’s mission to celebrate India’s creative influence across the world, while also recognising television as a cornerstone of storytelling that reaches millions of homes daily. Among the evening’s most emotional and nostalgic moments was the recognition of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, a series that has defined Indian television for over a decade with its warmth, values and heartfelt narratives.

Produced by Director’s Kut Productions under the vision of Rajan Shahi, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai first premiered in 2009 and has since become one of India’s most iconic and longest-running television shows. With its touching portrayal of love, family and relationships, the series has consistently resonated with audiences of all ages. Over the years, it has evolved with the times, introducing new storylines and generations of characters while maintaining its emotional core and strong cultural identity.

Known for its sincerity and storytelling depth, the show’s success lies in its ability to balance tradition and modernity while exploring universal human emotions. Its relatable themes of trust, companionship and resilience have made it a staple in Indian households, reflecting the country’s social evolution through the lens of family bonds.

Upon receiving the award, Rajan Shahi, the creator and producer of the series, expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is a great honour to receive this recognition from the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has been a labour of love and a journey shared with our audience for over fifteen years. This award belongs to every cast and crew member who has contributed to making the show what it is today. We are deeply thankful to our viewers for their unwavering support and affection.”

The evening featured breathtaking live performances by Usha Uthup, Kavita Seth, Kanishk Seth, Varun Jain, Stebin Ben, Anjana Padmanabhan and the high-energy Demolition Crew, who together created an atmosphere of celebration and unity. The show was hosted by the charismatic Varun Sharma and Aparshakti Khurana, whose engaging presence and humour added to the evening’s joyous spirit.

Over time, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has not only become a symbol of television excellence but also a part of India’s cultural fabric. Its multi-generational storytelling, graceful performances and timeless values continue to inspire both creators and viewers, proving that television remains one of the most powerful mediums of emotional connection.

The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards, named after the Father of Indian Cinema, Shri Dadasaheb Phalke Ji, has grown into India’s foremost platform for recognising excellence across film, television and digital entertainment. The festival continues to honour creators who have left a profound mark on the nation’s artistic landscape while inspiring new generations to innovate and express.

Through its recognition of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025 paid homage to the timeless beauty of storytelling and the emotional resonance of family-driven narratives. The award serves as a testament to the series’ ability to unite generations and bridge cultural boundaries through its portrayal of human values and heartfelt emotions. As the curtains closed on another memorable edition of DPIFF, the festival reaffirmed its commitment to preserving India’s creative heritage, fostering innovation and celebrating stories that bring people together.

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