Indian show accused of copying Pakistani drama 'Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum'

Express Tribune

06-03-2025

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Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir's Pakistani drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum created a significant buzz in the world of Pakistani television, captivating both online and offline audiences. The show also gained immense popularity across the border in India, thanks to its relatable story and cultural similarities between the two countries.
However, Indian viewers are now enraged after discovering that Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, India's longest-running show, has been allegedly copying Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum scene by scene.
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, starring Rohit Purohit and Samridhii Shukla, has recently been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Produced by Rajan Shahi under Directors Kut Productions (DKP), the show has drawn attention for its striking similarities to the Pakistani drama.
Social media users were quick to point out the scene-by-scene mimicry, leading to widespread trolling of the show's creators.
The ongoing track of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai follows the characters Abhira and Armaan, who struggle to make ends meet after moving out of their luxurious home. The storyline, focusing on their efforts to rebuild, bears a strong resemblance to Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, especially in terms of its key scenes.
Viewers also noted that the sets and house styling closely resemble those of the Pakistani drama. One user commented, "The house, the styling, omg, DKP is so shameless, not a single original thought in that production house nowadays."
Another user highlighted the similarities in a specific scene involving the parents' visit, saying, "They even copied the bottle scene when the parents visit. They could have added their touch to the storyline but they aren't doing anything, just copying. This will bring hate to the characters because they don't have the chemistry like Musjeena."
Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, which translates to Sometimes You and Sometimes Me, follows the classic romance trope of a marriage of convenience.
The story revolves around Sharjeena, who is left heartbroken and humiliated when her fiancé, Adeel, unexpectedly calls off their wedding after his wealthy boss, Rubab, proposes to him. Refusing to be pitied or cause any social embarrassment to her family, Sharjeena takes matters into her own hands and proposes to Mustafa, Adeel's younger, unemployed, and carefree brother.
What starts as a mere necessity slowly blossoms into a tender romance, where love quietly unfurls amidst the shadows of uncertainty, clashing spirits, lingering heartache, and the weight of financial struggle.
On the other hand, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, which translates to What is this relationship called, which has been on air since 2009 and has consistently topped the TRP charts, is now facing growing disappointment from its audience due to the ongoing track.
Meanwhile, the popularity of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum continues to rise in India, particularly because of the strong chemistry between its lead actors, Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir. In light of the backlash, viewers are now waiting for a statement from DKP regarding the allegations.