18 years ago, a picture, a mentor, and the beginning of a legacy: Rajan Shahi’s most treasured memory

It’s very rare to come across a photograph that is iconic and has stamped a name in the history of Indian television. Recently, a rare image from 2007 has resurfaced with television producer Rajan Shahi receiving his first award for his debut production venture, Sapna Babul Ka... Bidaai, from none other than Mr. Uday Shankar, the then network head and now Vice Chairman of JioStar. Rajan is accompanied by his daughter, Ishika Shahi, and the picture represents a symbol of the legacy that began that day and continues even today.

The historic photograph has captured the very first award for Director’s Kut Productions, Rajan Shahi’s maiden venture as a producer. And what makes it even more memorable is that Uday Shankar personally presented the award to him.

For Rajan, it still is one of the most cherished memories. He has often mentioned in his interviews, "Uday sir specifically flew down for the award function to personally hand over the trophy for Best Serial to us. I went on stage with my daughter Ishika, and he blessed us both. That picture will always be my favorite. My dream is that one day Ishika receives an award from Uday sir’s hands; that would complete the circle."

Rajan has also spoken fondly for Vivek Bahl, who was the programming head at Star Plus then, as he played a crucial role in setting up his meeting with Uday Shankar. Rajan had earlier said, "I have so much gratitude for him."

It was in 2007, after spending nearly 14 to 15 years directing some of television’s most successful shows, Rajan wanted to venture into production. But during those days, the idea of a technician becoming a producer was unheard of. “Only big names and production houses were given a chance back then. No one was willing to take that risk." Rajan has often spoken about his early days in interviews.

And that’s when destiny played its role, and Uday Shankar, who had just become the network head of Star Plus, saw Rajan's potential. He encouraged Rajan to produce his first show and stood behind him with confidence. Rajan proudly calls him a visionary and his mentor and credits him for giving him the biggest opportunity of his life.

That opportunity turned into a phenomenon. Sapna Babul Ka... Bidaai went on to become one of the most successful shows in Indian television history. And within two months of the show's launch, Star Plus, which was then struggling, bounced back to number one. It wasn’t just a win for the channel but a turning point for Rajan and his newly launched company, Director’s Kut Productions.

The photograph represents the start of a legacy, as it was with Sapna Babul Ka... Bidaai that DKP became popular for presenting unique concepts and content at a time when TV was all about over dramatic dramas. Sapna Babul Ka... Bidaai came as a game changer for its simplicity and freshness. The banner has not looked back since then and has produced successful shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, Amrit Manthan, Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, and Anupama, among others.

It was Uday Shankar who saw Rajan's passion and the fire in him and took the risk of giving him a chance. Only a true visionary like Uday Shankar could have gazed through Rajan's talent and helped create a legacy, not only for Rajan but for Star Plus too. The photograph is a reminder of how an act of faith gave birth to a legacy that continues to define Indian entertainment even today.

As DKP completes 18 years, Rajan is also thankful to the cast and crew of Sapna Babul Ka...Bidaai. "Heartfelt gratitude to the entire team of Bidaai - the actors, crew, and the core members who are still standing with the banner. Thank you to each one of you."

Currently DKP has two shows on-air Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, which continues to be one of the longest running shows on Indian television, and Anupama, which is being co-produced under their sister banner Shahi Productions Pvt Ltd, that Rajan started with his mother Deepa Shahi.