Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actor Rohit Purohit on the longevity of television shows; says ‘Evolve with time, but stay true to the soul'

Time of India

21 hours ago

Actor Rohit Purohit, who currently essays the role of Armaan Poddar in the long-running hit Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, believes that while television must adapt with changing times, its emotional and narrative essence must remain intact.
Speaking passionately about the evolving nature of Indian TV, Rohit underlines that storytelling rooted in emotional truth is what continues to resonate with audiences.
'A show can only stay relevant and impactful if it stays rooted in its core values,' he explains. 'You need to be clear about the story you're telling and stay honest with it. The narrative has to reflect the times and still hold on to the emotional essence that drew people in initially.
If you look at Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, it has always celebrated family bonds, relationships, festivals, conflicts, and reconciliations—and that emotional core has remained intact.
That's what keeps people connected.'
Rohit also acknowledges how social media has changed the dynamics of viewer engagement. 'The audience today is very expressive and engaged. Their feedback does influence creative decisions.
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Loyal viewers often notice small clues, track BTS updates, and try to predict upcoming twists. As makers, we listen, we observe—but I also believe a show should be given enough space and time to tell its story.'
He adds, 'You can't always rush or change things just because of a reaction. Sometimes, you have to trust the process and the long arc of storytelling.'
On how shows can maintain freshness without losing their core identity, Rohit admits it's a delicate balance.
'The biggest challenge is keeping the entire team emotionally and creatively invested over time. You can't ignore when a track isn't working or when a character no longer serves the story. But changes must still respect the original soul of the show.'
For him, consistency in character development is just as important as compelling plot twists. 'If your characters are strong and consistent, the audience stays emotionally invested.
But a twist at the right moment adds energy and movement to the narrative. The trick is to not compromise the character's core for the sake of shock value. It has to feel natural and earned.'
Rohit adds, 'It's definitely a tightrope walk. You want to keep your audience happy, deliver emotional moments they expect, but also surprise them. That's what keeps a show engaging. When that balance is right, it feels fresh yet familiar.
I think that's where the real magic lies.'
Reflecting on how long-running shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai manage to stay relevant, he says, 'Life itself has changed—issues are more complex, more layered. So the show must evolve, but not lose sight of its heart. The emotional grounding is what makes a show timeless.'
He concludes with a sentiment that encapsulates his philosophy as an actor: 'Ultimately, it's about honesty, passion, and storytelling that adapts while staying true to its soul.'
With Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai continuing to strike a chord even after more than a decade, it's clear that actors like Rohit Purohit are playing a crucial role in preserving its legacy—by honouring its roots while embracing the present.