Shailesh Lodha aka Tarak Mehta called it quits. Here is the list of characters who said bye-bye to Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
Tarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma is the longest-running show on Indian television.
The show is amongst the top 10 trends on YouTube without a failure. The show is making headlines again, but not to give a joy ride. Shailesh Lodha is best known for playing Taarak Mehta (a real-life Gujarati columnist) in India’s longest-running sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah may not feature in the show anymore. Over the past few weeks, Shailesh has been rumored to quit the hit show. His decision was that the actor cum poet felt that his character did not leave to show more to the audience.
Some reports even claimed that Lodha already has stopped shooting for the episodes and soon will give an official statement.
However, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s producer Asit Kumarr Modi finally broke his silence on the rumours. In an interview with Bombay Times, Modi said, “All my actors have been working for more than 10 years. I have not been informed or unaware that Shailesh wants to quit the show. If there is any development, I will surely speak about it. As of now, I am focussing on how we can make the show more entertaining for the viewers.”
This is not the first time any important character left the popular sitcom.
DayaBen aka Disha Vakani
However, popular character Dayaben took a break from the show after embracing motherhood in 2017. Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for her return to the show. But, a few days back, according to a report, it was revealed that the actress had decided to quit the show permanently. Till now, makers are unable to find her replacement.
Anjali Tarak Mehta aka Neha Mehta
After playing Anjali for 12 long years, Neha Mehta decided to quit the show as she felt it was time to move on. She clearly stated that discipline and decorum were among the reasons for her decision.
Bhavya Gandhi, aka Tapu
The audience had seen this boy growing on the show itself. In 2017, Bhavya Gandhi as Taapu left the show, handing over the character’s responsibility to Raj Anadkat. It is said that Gandhi got an opportunity to work in films.
Gurcharan Singh, aka Sodhi
Gurcharan Singh playing the enthusiastic Sodhi, is one of the highly missed characters. Singh left the show in 2020 and remained tight-lipped about the reasons.
Monika Bhadoriya aka Bawri
Playing Bawri (Bagha’s girlfriend) for 6 years, Monika left the show on an amicable note. She also quashed all reports of a hike in paycheck. Her character is not introduced with a new face yet.
Nidhi Bhanushali aka Sonu
Nidhi Bhanushali as Sonu was loved by all. However, it was difficult for her to balance her studies and shooting. Therefore, she decided to step out of the show.
With the continuous replacement and removal of famous and essential characters of the show, TMKOC’s popularity is also declining. The show, which gained heights for hilariously addressing the day-to-day middle-class issue, is now airing just for the sake of running.
What are the reasons for the declining popularity of TMKOC?
With evolving time and audience, the show has been called out for racist dialogues, misogynist mindset, stereotypical characters, and often body shaming. Working for ages on the show, even the characters have been typecast. It is difficult for their fans to accept them in any other role. (Munmun Dutta as Babita ji).
However, now the future of TMKOC is on the fence. With no Daya and Tarak, it is pretty tricky for Jethalal (aka Dilip Joshi) to resolve his problems. Most importantly, in the era of OTT platforms, where fresh content is served every day on a platter, the new generation may not get addicted to some mindless comedy.
So, is this the end of Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma?
