Rajan Shahi, the prolific producer behind popular Indian television shows *Anupamaa* and *Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai*, is facing criticism for his strict, zero-tolerance policy regarding on-set behavior. In a recent interview with Tellychakkar, Shahi stated that any disrespect shown towards crew members, from makeup artists to spot dadas (assistants), results in immediate dismissal. He cited instances where he removed actors, including the lead couple from *Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai*, Shehzada Dhami and Pratiksha Honmukhe, and more recently, Alisha Parveen from *Anupamaa*. While Shahi attributed these dismissals to unprofessional conduct, he offered limited specifics, fueling speculation and controversy.
This strong stance has generated considerable backlash on social media. Actor Arjit Taneja, known for his role in *Kumkum Bhagya*, questioned Shahi’s narrative, suggesting a biased perspective that unfairly targets actors while overlooking potential misconduct by others on set. Taneja’s comment, posted on Tellychakkar’s social media, resonated with many, including actress Shalini Kapoor, who echoed concerns about a one-sided application of rules and a lack of accountability for potential directorial misbehavior. Online commentators further questioned Shahi’s claims, expressing skepticism and calling for a boycott of his production house.
Adding fuel to the fire, Shehzada Dhami, one of the actors dismissed from *Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai*, shared a cryptic message on his Instagram stories, suggesting a need for medical attention for Shahi, indirectly criticizing the producer’s actions and comments. The incident highlights a growing debate within the Indian television industry regarding power dynamics, workplace conduct, and the need for fair and consistent standards across all roles. The lack of transparency surrounding the specific reasons behind the dismissals only exacerbates the ongoing controversy, leaving the public to speculate and question Shahi’s management style.