It is a day that will go down in the history books of Indian television. Star Plus’s flagship show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (YRKKH). Also has officially crossed the unbelievable milestone of YRKKH 5000 episodes on December 3, 2025.
For a show that began its journey 17 years ago with Akshara and Naitik, reaching this landmark is nothing short of a miracle in the age of fickle TRPs. Leading the fourth generation of this legacy is Samriddhi Shukla, who plays the beloved Abhira. As the cast and crew celebrated with a massive cake-cutting ceremony on set, Samriddhi got candid about what this achievement means to her personally.
Here is what the actress had to say about carrying the torch of Asia’s longest-running soap opera.
Samriddhi Shukla: “My Name Is Etched in History”
For Samriddhi, playing Abhira isn’t just a job; it’s a life-changing responsibility. Speaking to the media amidst the celebrations, she expressed deep gratitude for being the face of the show during this historic moment.
“It feels like my name is etched in history. To be associated with a show completing 5,000 episodes—a show that has run for 17 years and will continue to go strong—is an achievement in itself.”
She acknowledged that while the show has seen many legends (like Hina Khan and Shivangi Joshi), being the lead of the fourth generation gives her a unique place in its timeline. “People will look back and say, ‘Oh, she was the lead when they hit the 5k mark,'” she added with a smile.
“Abhira Has Become Home”
When asked about her connection to her character, Samriddhi got emotional. Having lived the role of Abhira for nearly two years and over 800 episodes, the lines between reel and real have blurred.
Her Touching Confession:
“YRKKH has become home for me. Abhira is a character I carry with me every single day; it has become very personal. She is a part of me now. Every win for YRKKH feels like a personal win for me.”
She credited the character for making her stronger, stating that Abhira’s resilience in the face of the Poddar family’s drama has taught her to stand up for herself in real life too.
A Double Celebration: The Rajan Shahi Connection
The 5,000th episode didn’t just mark a show milestone; it coincided with the birthday of the man behind the magic—producer Rajan Shahi.
- The “Universe’s Gift”: Rajan Shahi called the timing a “divine blessing.” He has steered the ship of Director’s Kut Productions for decades, and hitting this number on his birthday made the celebration on set even grander.
- The Legacy: From the innocent days of Akshara (Hina Khan) to the fiery spirit of Abhira, Shahi has successfully reinvented the show for four different generations of viewers.
The “AbhiMaan” Magic
Of course, the celebration wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Rohit Purohit, who plays Armaan.
- The Chemistry: Fans have lovingly dubbed the duo #AbhiMaan. Samriddhi praised Rohit for being a grounded and supportive co-star, admitting that their off-screen comfort translates into their intense on-screen chemistry.
- The Current Track: In the show, the couple is currently facing their toughest test yet—a separation track involving family politics—but this real-life milestone has given fans a reason to celebrate despite the on-screen tears.
Conclusion: To The Next YRKKH 5000 Ep?
As Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai continues to rule the TRP charts, one thing is clear: the audience’s love is fading nowhere. Samriddhi Shukla has successfully carried the baton, proving that whether it’s 2009 or 2025, the story of “Rishta” (Relationships) remains timeless.
Congratulations to Team DKP and the entire cast!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai complete 5,000 episodes? The show officially completed 5,000 episodes on December 3, 2025.
2. Who is the current lead of YRKKH? Samriddhi Shukla plays the female lead, Abhira, while Rohit Purohit plays the male lead, Armaan.
3. How long has YRKKH been running? The show premiered in January 2009 and has been running for nearly 17 years, making it the longest-running Hindi daily soap.
4. What did Samriddhi Shukla say about the milestone? She stated that playing Abhira has been a life-changing experience and that she feels honored to have her name “etched in history” as the lead of the fourth generation.
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