Bringing Gangaur Traditions to Screen is Fulfilling: Anita Raj

Mumbai: As Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai continues its remarkable journey as one of Indian television’s longest-running shows, its grand festival sequences have become much more than visual spectacles — they are heartfelt celebrations of culture and tradition. Actress Anita Raj, who has won hearts as the strong and loving Dadisa, recently opened up about the upcoming Gangaur track and what it means to bring such rich heritage to the screen.

“It feels truly special and meaningful,” Anita Raj said with warmth. “Gangaur is deeply rooted in our culture and holds immense emotional value, especially for women.”

The veteran actress expressed her joy at being part of a show that celebrates these traditions with sincerity and scale. “Showcasing it on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai allows us to celebrate these beautiful traditions with a wider audience. It’s always fulfilling to bring such heritage-driven stories to life on screen,” she added.

What makes the Gangaur sequence particularly special, according to Anita Raj, is the careful attention to detail and the way it is woven into the emotional fabric of the story. “Every element — be it the costumes, rituals, music, or set design — is carefully planned,” she explained. “More importantly, the festival is not just visually appealing but also emotionally driven, becoming an integral part of the storyline and character journeys.”

Anita stressed the importance of authenticity in portraying festivals. “The audience today is very aware and appreciates when traditions are shown correctly,” she noted. “We make sure to respect the rituals, customs, and sentiments associated with the festival so that it resonates genuinely with viewers.”

For the actress, these festive tracks serve a larger purpose beyond entertainment. She believes television has a powerful role in preserving and passing on cultural roots. “Television has a strong influence, and when we showcase festivals like Gangaur in their true essence, it reminds audiences of their roots,” Anita said. “It also introduces younger generations to traditions they may not be fully aware of, helping keep our culture alive.”

While bringing such grand sequences to life comes with its own set of challenges, Anita Raj finds the experience deeply rewarding. “Every festive sequence comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it involves large-scale setups and detailed rituals,” she shared. “Coordinating everything — from performances to technical aspects — can be demanding, but it’s also very rewarding. The energy on set during such sequences is always festive, making the experience memorable for the entire team.”

Anita gave credit to producer Rajan Shahi for maintaining a consistent philosophy of authenticity across the show. “That philosophy is strongly reflected in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. From the set design to the characters and their emotions, everything is crafted with authenticity in mind,” she said. “It’s this honesty in storytelling that has helped the show build such a deep and lasting connection with audiences over the years.”

As the Gangaur celebrations unfold on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, viewers can expect a vibrant mix of colour, emotion, rituals, and family bonding that has become a hallmark of the series. Through characters like Dadisa, the show continues to honour the strength and cultural pride of Rajasthani women while delivering the kind of heartfelt drama that has kept audiences hooked for more than 5,100 episodes.

In an industry where trends come and go quickly, Anita Raj’s reflections highlight why Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai remains special — its sincere effort to celebrate India’s living heritage while telling stories that feel both grand and deeply personal.