Rajan Shahi, an established figure in Indian television, began his association with the film and television industry through his maternal grandfather, Paidi Jairaj. Paidi Jairaj, a legendary actor, director, and producer, had one of the longest careers in Indian cinema and was awarded the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1980. He made the Guinness Book of World record for being the Bollywood actor with the longest film career.
In 1994, he ventured into television as an associate director for Sailaab, working alongside renowned director Ravi Rai for nearly eight years. Over the next eight years, he honed his craft, assisting in various notable projects, including the acclaimed series Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai.
In 1999, Rajan made his directorial debut with Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi, a TV show featuring actors Rupali Ganguly and Shruti Ulfat. He quickly became a prominent name in the television industry, directing several hit Indian television shows like Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi, Hamare Tumhare, Rishtey, Kareena Kareena, Reth, Mamtaa, Millee, Virasaat, Shakalaka Boom Boom, and Saathi Re.
He also served as a series director for popular shows such as Saat Phere: Saloni Ka Safar, Ghar Ki Laxmi Betiyaan, and Maayka. His ability to consistently deliver successful TV shows in no time solidified his position as a prominent director and producer in the Indian television industry.
In 2007, Rajan established his production company, Director’s Kut Productions, marking his transition into producing with the hit show Sapna Babul Ka… Bidaai on Star Plus. Under his leadership, the production house has delivered numerous successful television shows, including the long-running Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Star Plus). They have produced other shows such as Swarg (Colors), Chand Chupa Badal Mein (Star Plus), Hawan (Colors), Jamuna Paar (Imagine TV), Kuch Toh Log Kahenge (Sony TV), Amrit Manthan (Life OK), Aur Pyaar Hogaya (Zee TV), Tere Sheher Mein (Star Plus), Itti Si Khushi (Sony TV), Baavle Utaavle (SAB TV), Yeh Rishtey Hai Pyaar Ke (Star Plus), Aai Kuthe Kay Karte (Star Pravah), Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya 2 (Star Bharat), Who Toh Hai Albelaa (Star Bharat), Baatein Kuch Ankhein Si (Star Plus) Anupamaa (Star Plus), and the telefilm Teri Meri Love Story (Star Plus).
Rajan’s association with Star Network started with Milee in 2005. His journey as a producer began in 2007 with Star Plus after he launched his production house Director’s Kut Production with the show Sapna Babul Ka…Bidaai. As a producer he has been associated with the network for 17 years, while overall (director and producer) it has been of 19 years.
He is a trailblazer in the Indian entertainment industry, widely regarded as a trendsetter for transforming the landscape of Indian television. His most notable achievement is the creation of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, one of the longest-running television shows in Indian history, with over 4,731 episodes in 16 years. The show has set a benchmark for longevity and sustained popularity in Indian television. Anupamaa has 1585 episodes. Under his leadership, his production companies—Director’s Kut Productions, Shahi Productions Pvt. Ltd., and First Kut Productions—have delivered over 4300 hours of high-quality content. Rajan Shahi has been honored with the prestigious Vishesh Samman from Star Parivar for three consecutive years, recognizing his exceptional contributions to Indian television.
In 2020, he expanded his creative ventures by partnering with his mother, Deepa Shahi, to launch Shahi Productions Pvt. Ltd. At the age of 78, Mrs. Deepa Shahi is a true symbol of women’s empowerment as she made her debut as a producer with a show that quickly topped the charts across all General Entertainment Channels (GECs)., adding to the family’s legacy of success in the television industry.
Rajan also ventured into the OTT space with his debut production, Anupama: Namaste America, which streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, further solidifying his impact across multiple platforms. Additionally, his daughter, Ishika Shahi, a graduate in Bachelor in Business Communication, is now carving her own path by creating content for various OTT platforms, continuing the family’s innovative contributions to the entertainment industry.
Rajan’s Director’s Kut Productions currently has ongoing shows including Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Aai Kuthe Kay Karte, and Anupamaa.
With over 95 years of legacy in the film and television industry, Rajan & family proudly represents the fourth generation of his family to contribute to Indian entertainment. This rich heritage underscores his deep-rooted connection to the industry, continuing a tradition of excellence across generations. Rajan has established himself as a visionary leader in Indian television, known for creating content that resonates with audiences across the globe.