Nine years after its premiere, Nakuul Mehta, the lead actor of the popular television series "Ishqbaaaz," is reflecting on the journey and expressing his gratitude to the fans who made the show a resounding success. Mehta took to social media on Friday, June 27, 2025, to commemorate the anniversary, sharing a heartfelt message about his experiences and feelings for the show.
"Ishqbaaaz," which aired on Star Plus from June 27, 2016, to March 15, 2019, quickly became a fan favorite. The romantic drama, produced by Gul Khan under 4 Lions Films, initially starred Nakuul Mehta, Surbhi Chandna, Kunal Jaisingh, Shrenu Parikh, Leenesh Mattoo, and Mansi Srivastava. In December 2018, the show underwent a generation leap, leading to a new season titled 'Ishqbaaz: Pyaar Ki Ek Dhinchak Kahaani,' featuring Nakuul Mehta and Niti Taylor in leading roles.
In his recent social media post, Mehta described "Ishqbaaaz" as more than just a show; it was a project he poured his heart and soul into. He wrote, “9 years to a show I gave my blood, sweat, tears and more too. But you made it yours and it took a life of its own. It became your comfort zone. A memory you return to not for the show alone, but for who you were when it aired and who you became after. For how it made you feel. Through heart aches, first love, joys, losses and everything in between. Just grateful we met somewhere in the middle of all that madness.”
Mehta also extended his appreciation to everyone involved in the making of "Ishqbaaaz," acknowledging their passion and dedication. He noted that he continues to draw inspiration from their collective efforts in his current endeavors. He specifically thanked @crayartistetmet for being the show's biggest cheerleader and creating a retrospective poster featuring the entire cast.
The impact of "Ishqbaaaz" on its audience is undeniable. Mehta reflected on how the show became a "comfort zone" for viewers, a nostalgic touchstone that evoked strong emotions and reminded them of personal milestones experienced during its run. This connection with the audience is a testament to the show's enduring appeal and the strong performances of its cast.
Adding to the celebratory mood, "Ishqbaaaz" is set to re-air on television after nine years. The show will be broadcast on Star Plus at 11:30 AM, giving fans another opportunity to relive the iconic moments and stories. Mehta shared his excitement about the re-release, stating, "In the festival of re releases, a show which has brought us so much love from audiences worldwide, returns 9 years later. Back on your TV screens every day at 11:30 am! For everybody who asked for it, cherished it and continued to find joy in it.. this is for you. Ishqbaaaz on @starplus.”
The re-release of "Ishqbaaaz" follows a trend of popular shows and films making a comeback, with some even surpassing their original box office collections. This resurgence highlights the strong connection audiences have with these stories and characters, and "Ishqbaaaz" is poised to rekindle that connection once again.