Enter Ali Merchant, in Ye Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, will bring in a suitor for Akshara, the demure girl from a Marwari family played by Hina Khan, writes Gita Hari.

Next week, the Star Plus prime time show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, will bring in a suitor for Akshara, the demure girl from a Marwari family played by Hina Khan. Akshara’s family, so far, has been looking for the perfect match for her.

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This week, they find one. The prospective groom will be played by Ali Merchant, who was last seen in Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and Ambar-Dhara. It’s a cameo appearance in the sitcom produced by Rajan Shahi. Incidentally, Merchant is Sara Khan’s beau who plays the fair Sadhana in Sapnaa Babul Ka-Bidaai.. which also airs on Star Plus in the prime time slot and is being produced by Shahi.

So, did the Khan connect help him get the role? Shahi, who was impressed with Merchant’s stage performance at a recent awards show, says , “The story picks up from his entry. I wanted a known face who could create an impact. Ali fitted the character perfectly. Being Sara’s boyfriend is just a coincidence.”