Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

From a reluctant actor to small screen superstar

MOHSIN KHAN ON HIS YEH RISHTA KYA KEHLATA HAI JOURNEY AND BEING NAMED ONE OF THE SEXIEST ASIAN MEN IN THE WORLD

by MOHNISH SINGH


WHEN Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai star Mohsin Khan was a kid, a part of him always wanted to act, but he was just too shy and embarrassed to admit it.

So, acting was not actually the career he had his sights on initially. He was on his way to becoming an engineer before he found his true calling and started making efforts to go before the cameras. After doing a couple of commercials, the actor landed his first television show Nisha Aur Uske Cousins, which set the ball rolling for him. But it was Star Plus’ long-running show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai that made him a household name.

Today, Mohsin is one of the most popular and highest-paid actors on Indian television, thanks to the multi-year spanning family drama by Rajan Shahi.

The small screen heartthrob tells Eastern Eye how it feels to front the cast of one of Indian television’s longest running shows, how much fans mean to him and whether or not he sees himself making a transition to films. The talented actor also opens up about being named as one of the sexiest Asian men on the planet.

Your show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (YRKKH) has completed 11 years of a successful run. How do you feel about all that it has achieved?

When Shivangi (Joshi) and I joined the show, it had already completed more than seven years of telecast, won every single television award and had broken every record. I did not know what to expect then. I just worked with the flow. Since my family members used to watch this show, I had also seen it in bits and parts. But, yes, I knew that people were ardent viewers and had loved the show from day one.

In a time when most of the daily soaps fail to complete even a year, YRKKH has been entertaining audiences for 11 years. Why, according to you, has the show clicked so much with audiences, not only in India, but also globally?

YRKKH is rooted in Indian traditions and family values. There is this intense family drama, and it also has an innocent love story. Every sequence has a social message, and every situation brings out the good and bad in the characters, which make the story and characters relatable.

When you joined the show, it had Hina Khan and Karan Mehra playing the lead characters. Then the baton was passed on to you and Shivangi. Was it not daunting for you to carry such an iconic show on your shoulders?

I had never thought that I would be in this industry, as I was on my way to become an engineer. But today, I am overwhelmed every single day of my life. The response that I have got from the audience is beautiful, mashallah, and I thank my lord for showing me the way. Plus, I am lucky and blessed that I have my family for standing by me through all the struggles.

Tell us more…

I try and understand the situation and then respond to my character in that situation and perform it as truthfully as I can. There is so much support, right from the producer, Rajan sir, to the writers and the director, in making you part of the narrative that everything flows in the right direction. I guess that is why I never felt the pressure.

Did you always want to be an actor?

There was a part of me which always wanted to act right from childhood. I was just too shy and embarrassed to admit it. I have been extremely lucky in my career to have worked with a great cast. I have learned so much from them. I so admired Vivek Mushran while working on Nisha Aur Uske Cousins (2014-15) and to know these actors and their journey makes me understand how I can improve as an actor.

Do you see yourself making a transition to films in future and are there any plans to explore the digital medium?

I don’t know what the future holds. For now, YRKKH is my number one priority. I have seen each episode twice. As his character has gone through a transition of 11 years in these four years, I try to look and sound more mature, and every time, we try to give the character a different edge and feel.

How much do fans mean to you?

The audience is the king. I am extremely thankful that people accepted the characters Kartik, Naira and the entire Goenka family four years ago. YRKKH is in everyone’s homes every night, so they have made it a part of their lives, as well as of their families. So, when people meet you, it is with so much warmth and affection. They remember each episode. They all have their different moments in the story that they have loved. It is their smiles and happiness that drive you. Right from kids to elders, the story has, mashallah, touched people. They have identified with the characters and kudos to the team for doing that.

What is it that you love the most about your character?

About Kartik Goenka, you see him as a happy-go-lucky sweet guy, but you are later introduced to the complexities in his life. You can see his issues with the family, you see him blaming Naira for a lot of the wrong things in his life and turning into an alcoholic. Later, he starts blaming himself for the mistakes and becomes a prisoner in his own mind. So, from an innocent soul to a shrewd individual to behaving almost psychotic and making a prison within his home, Kartik has a lot of layers in itself. And now, Kartik is going back to being in that happy zone, but obviously with a lot of twists. So, the journey of

Kartik has truly been a dream for me as an actor.

When not shooting, how do you spend your day?

When not shooting, I try to spend most of my time with my family. I meet my friends, not that often, but whatever little time I can, I try to spare. This does help in relaxing my mind.

Do you have any celebrity crush?

My first crush was Cameron Diaz. For now, I don’t have any big celebrity crush, but I used to have during my school and college days.

Finally, how do you feel about regularly being named as one of the sexiest Asian men on the planet in Eastern Eye newspaper’s world famous annual list?

I am extremely humbled to be on that list. I am going to tell my grandkids someday about it. Especially, to be on that list with so many guys that I look up to is truly an honour.

More For You

Timeless luxury: The 5 most expensive Rolex watches of 2025

Rolex continues to captivate the world with its dedication to perfection

Getty

Timeless luxury: The 5 most expensive Rolex watches of 2025

Rolex, a name synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless sophistication, has once again redefined the boundaries of opulence in 2025. As one of the most iconic watchmakers in history, Rolex continues to create masterpieces that epitomise both innovation and style. Below, we explore some of the most expensive and desirable Rolex watches of the year, each a testament to unparalleled artistry and technical precision.

1. Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi Meteorite (£49,000)

Rolex GMT-Master II Rolex

Keep ReadingShow less
Sukhvinder Kaur: Finding light in the tunnel of loneliness

Sukhvinder Kaur: Finding light in the tunnel of loneliness

LONELINESS can affect people of all ages and backgrounds in different ways. Sukhvinder Kaur was deeply impacted by social isolation after her marriage broke down, leaving her alone with two young children.

Despite a happy upbringing, a supportive family, and a strong community network, she began experiencing uncomfortable thoughts that didn’t resonate with her, leading to increased isolation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ayurveda: The ancient science of balance and well-being

Ayurveda was given to mankind at the time of satyug, when the diseases though existed had not yet manifested in the physical world.

iStock

Ayurveda: The ancient science of balance and well-being

Ashwini Gurujii

Ayurveda finds it origin in one of the four Vedas, the Atharvaveda. Brahma ji propounded the science of Ayurveda and passed it on to Daksh Prajapati, who gave it to Ashwini Kumars, the physicians of devas, and they gave it to Indra.

Ayurveda was given to mankind at the time of satyug, when the diseases though existed had not yet manifested in the physical world. The level of existence was so pure and selfless that diseases were unable to manifest then. The rishis of satyug realized that in the times to come, the thoughts of people are going to become so polluted that diseases will find the required environment to manifest and then the need of Ayurveda would arise, so Rishi Bharadwaj went up to Indra Dev and asked for this divine science.

Keep ReadingShow less
Why helping ageing parents is precious

As our parents age, we embrace new roles in their lives with compassion and care.

Why helping ageing parents is precious

AS OUR parents’ health begins to deteriorate, one of the hardest things in life is watching them age. Some can no longer walk for more than 10 minutes, and their memory isn’t what it used to be. There are also hidden complications associated with ageing.

I grew up in a working-class family. My dad was named Simba when he lived back in Zanzibar, Africa. He swam in the open ocean and ran for miles. The joinery skills he learned from his father have been passed down to my brother and me. My mum worked long hours sewing and in factories to provide for us, ensuring we had everything we needed. She also taught me never to rely on anyone for anything, which has shaped me into the strong, independent woman I am today.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spring-clock-change-iStock

Circadian rhythms regulate physiological processes in living organisms, including plants, animals, and even bacteria. (Photo: iStock)

How the spring clock change impacts sleep and health

EVERY YEAR, about a quarter of the world's population adjusts their clocks for daylight saving time (DST).

While it may seem like a small change, some experience fatigue, irritability, and brain fog in the days that follow. For night owls, the adjustment can take weeks.

Keep ReadingShow less