One of the most memorable moments of the evening at the Star Parivaar Awards was when Rajan Shahi, the creative force behind some of Indian television’s most beloved shows, was honored with the prestigious Vishesh Samman. This special award recognized his decades-long contributions to the entertainment industry. The accolade, aptly dubbed the Pillar of Excellence, was presented to him by Mr. Sumanta Bose, Business Head – HSM & Content Head Disney+ Hotstar (Hindi).
Rajan Shahi’s journey in the entertainment industry spans an impressive 32 years, including 22 years as a director and 18 years as a producer. His remarkable body of work, particularly with iconic shows like Anupamaa, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and Bidaai, has not only captivated millions of viewers but also set new benchmarks for storytelling on Indian television.
During the award presentation, Mr. Sumanta Bose, along with Deepak Chhabria, Business Head at Star, took to the stage to praise Shahi’s profound and consistent contributions to the industry. Sumanta Bose paid tribute to Shahi’s exceptional storytelling abilities and his unmatched connection with audiences, remarking that Shahi doesn’t merely create television shows—he creates movements. His work has profoundly influenced how relationships are perceived in India and redefined the portrayal of women in society. He also reflected on Rajan Shahi’s personal journey, emphasizing that his success is not just a product of his talent but also his resilience and perseverance through numerous challenges. Through his extensive body of work, Rajan Shahi has become a beacon of hope for aspiring creators.
In his acceptance, Rajan Shahi expressed his gratitude, saying, “Yes, it’s an incredible honor, and I am extremely grateful to Mr. Sumanta Bose and the entire Star Network team for recognizing my contributions and honoring me with the Vishesh Samman. I humbly accept this Pillar of Excellence Award on behalf of the entire team and the units of Directors Kut Productions and Shahi Productions. This marks the fifth time I have received such an honor from Star Plus, and it reflects the strong 22 years of association as a director and 18 years as a producer. Our journey has been a rewarding one, although filled with challenges—ups and downs, highs and lows—but I am deeply grateful to have a partner like Star Plus, who values hard work, ethics, and the integrity of DKP. This award serves as a badge of honor, motivating us to strive even harder and inspiring us to reach new heights of excellence. As a team, we humbly take this recognition as an inspiration to work with even greater integrity and humility, with the goal of achieving more.”
He adds, “I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey—our team members, units, and actors, from the past, present, and future, who have supported us along the way. I dedicate this award to all of them. Additionally, I am proud to share that my daughter, Ishika Shahi, has begun creating content and is now producing web series. My mother, Deepa Shahi is the producer of the Top show Anupamaa. We hope to continue contributing to the industry with the same dedication and passion in the future as well.”
The evening was enriched by a spectacular performance from the cast of Anupamaa and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, who presented a special dance sequence as a heartfelt tribute to Rajan Shahi’s contributions to both the shows and the Star Plus network. The event also recognized Deepa Shahi, Rajan Shahi’s mother and a producer was honored on stage, underscoring the rich legacy of creativity and passion that runs in the Shahi family. With a heritage spanning nearly a century and four generations in the film and television industry, the Shahi family boasts over 95 years of contribution to the entertainment industry.
It comes as no surprise that Star chose to honor him once again in such a significant and celebratory way, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career.