# Akshara Maheshwari Singhania

Akshara Maheshwari Singhania is the protagonist of the television series Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Created by Rajan Shahi under Director's Kut Productions, the series became a cultural phenomenon, particularly due to Akshara's character, which resonates with viewers on multiple levels. Portrayed by Hina Khan, Akshara is regarded among the most memorable characters in Indian television. She is known for her positive character that helps her navigate the complexities of balancing her family and marriage life.

## Development

Rajan Shahi cast college student Hina Khan to play Akshara, marking her acting debut. Khan stated that she knew nothing about acting while signing the series, saying, "I didn't learn acting from anywhere. I think it's because of luck that I landed up in TV. Even after that I had to do a lot of hard work. It was more difficult for me when I began acting and straight away I had to perform. I never got to learn". In November 2016, Khan left the show to explore more projects.

## Characterization

Akshara is a kind-hearted and soft-spoken girl from Udaipur, who is known for her positive nature. She is educated and belongs to the Maheshwari family, a wealthy Marwari joint family recognised for their hotel business. Akshara wants to know her future partner before marrying him, but marries Naitik Singhania via an arranged marriage, into Singhanias, another wealthy Marwari joint family, recognised for their diamond trade. Initially, the couple struggles to understand each other but gradually come to understand, support and love each other.
Akshara initially works as a homemaker establishing a respectable position in the Singhania household. When Naitik falls into coma, she joins the family business and develops herself into a businessperson. She is blamed for her uncle-in-law Mahendra's death leading to her shift to South Africa, where she shortly works as a Hindi professor in a university. Kaveri later accepts her. Akshara is shown as a dutiful daughter and daughter-in-law, a caring wife and a loving mother. Khan's portrayal of the character has a blend of warmth, strength, and emotional depth.

## Styling

As a Rajasthani girl, the character of Akshara was seen wearing heavy jewellers and traditional dresses. Initially, Khan wore salwar-kameez. Her post marriage look saw her wear saree with jewelleries. During festive celebrations, Khan wore heavy lehenga to embrace the culture of Rajasthan. Following a leap, when her character shifted to Cape Town and later back to India, Khan sported a more modern look, including tops and palazzos.

## Legacy and influence

Khan's portrayal of Akshara has garnered significant acclaim, establishing her as a popular character in Indian television. Her performance has contributed to the show's longevity and earned her several accolades. Khan's on-screen pairing with Karan Mehra has garnered significant attention, with fans frequently expressing their admiration for the couple. Several publications like Pinkvilla and News18 termed Akshara among the "most iconic characters" of Indian television. The popularity of the series and her character established Khan among the highest paid and most popular actresses of Indian television.