Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah x Bollywood: A look back at the days when celebrity cameos were common
Here's a look back at the unforgettable moments when Bollywood's biggest names brought their magic to Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
Published: Tuesday,Apr 15, 2025 13:12 PM GMT-06:00

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah isn't just one of India's longest-running and most beloved sitcoms – it's also been a hotspot for Bollywood promotions. Over the years, several top-tier stars have made special appearances on the show, seamlessly woven into the Gokuldham storyline.
From around 2010 to 2016, TMKOC had some of the most fun Bollywood integrations on Indian television. Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena came to promote, Salman Khan brought his Dabangg swag, and Hrithik Roshan arrived as Krrish to thrill the kids of Tapu Sena. These were not just short appearances — they were smartly blended into the storyline. The actors didn't just say a few lines and leave; they interacted, got involved in the narrative, and brought an extra spark to the show.
Here's a look back at the unforgettable moments when Bollywood's biggest names brought their magic to TMKOC:
Shah Rukh Khan:

The King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, made several appearances on TMKOC to promote his films, each time leaving behind iconic moments.
He promoted Chennai Express alongside director Rohit Shetty, bringing a dose of energy and action to the society. Happy New Year saw him accompanied by a massive star cast — Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Sonu Sood, Boman Irani, Vivaan Shah, and Farah Khan — in an episode that felt like a mini red carpet event in Gokuldham. For Dilwale, he shared the screen with Kajol, recreating their legendary on-screen chemistry in a fun segment. His visit for Jab Harry Met Sejal alongside Anushka Sharma was more interactive and centred around romantic elements. For Dunki, Shah Rukh Khan once again brought his charm to the show, reconnecting with fans and the TMKOC cast.
Salman Khan:

Salman Khan has had a long association with TMKOC, appearing for films like Ready, Dabangg, and Bodyguard, often during festive specials. Salman's appearances have always turned into celebration episodes. He teamed up with Sonam Kapoor for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and with Jacqueline Fernandez for Kick, both adding lively energy to the episodes. His appearance with Sohail Khan for Tubelight had a humorous twist, while the Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan promotion became a full-fledged celebration with Pooja Hegde, Jassi Gill, Siddharth Nigam, Raghav Juyal, Venkatesh, Palak Sidhwani, and more joining in.
Ajay Devgn:

Ajay Devgn has been one of the most frequent Bollywood stars to grace Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, promoting several of his films over the years. His first appearance was for All The Best, where he joined the Diwali celebrations in Gokuldham. He later returned with Sonakshi Sinha during Son of Sardaar, coinciding with the show’s 1000-episode milestone. For Himmatwala, he came along with director Sajid Khan, adding dance and humour to the storyline. His appearance for Shivaay, accompanied by co-stars Erika Kaar and Abigail Eames, had emotional undertones that aligned with the film’s theme. Ajay also featured in a vibrant episode for Bol Bachchan, where he was joined by Abhishek Bachchan, Rohit Shetty, Asin, and Prachi Desai, infusing the plot with the film’s comic energy.
Akshay Kumar:

Known for his larger-than-life roles, Akshay Kumar's entries were always matched with strong storyline integration. For Boss, he was shown interacting with the society members in a setup inspired by the film's themes. While promoting Holiday, his character's patriotic values were mirrored in a storyline involving Tapu Sena and the elders, making it both entertaining and inspiring.
Aamir Khan:

Aamir visited TMKOC with R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi during the promotions of 3 Idiots. Their cameo was cleverly merged into the narrative — where Tapu Sena and the elders engaged in conversations about education, pressure, and dreams — beautifully reflecting the heart of the film.
Deepika Padukone:

Promoting Piku, Deepika Padukone's episode had an emotional and cultural theme. She interacted with the Mahila Mandal and participated in Garba, tying her visit with a storyline about respect and family values — something both the show and the film are known for.
Dharmendra:

The veteran actor visited the show for the promotion of Yamla Pagla Deewana 2. His appearance was humorous and nostalgic, as he engaged with the cast in scenes that reflected his iconic filmy style, complete with classic dialogues and warmth.
Anil Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Ileana D'Cruz & Athiya Shetty:

The cast of Mubarakan created a laugh riot during their appearance. Their interactions were scripted around a light-hearted celebration, and the humour of the film matched perfectly with TMKOC's tone. One of the highlights was Bhide dressing up as Anil Kapoor's iconic Ram Lakhan character!
Over the years, even more stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Varun Dhawan, and Vidya Balan have graced the sets of TMKOC. Each of these cameos added a unique sparkle to the episodes and gave fans the joy of seeing their favourite film stars in the heart of Gokuldham Society.
However, in recent years, this trend has quietly faded away. While Bollywood actors still promote their films actively, they don't come to TMKOC as often — and when they do, it's usually through a pre-recorded segment or a short promotional video, not a full episode.
One of the main reasons Bollywood celebrities are no longer frequently seen on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah could be the rise of digital-first marketing. With the increasing influence of social media platforms, stars now focus more on Instagram Lives, YouTube interviews, and creating viral reels to connect with fans. These platforms offer a quicker and wider reach compared to traditional television. Additionally, the show's tone has evolved over the years, shifting its focus more towards social messages and real-life issues. In such a setup, integrating a Bollywood film promotion can sometimes feel out of place or forced. Moreover, marketing strategies have also changed — filmmakers now prefer platforms like The Kapil Sharma Show or digital talk shows, where actors can directly interact with the audience through humour, games, and candid chats. These formats offer more flexibility and align better with today's promotional needs.
Even though these cameos have reduced, fans still go back and watch those old episodes on YouTube. Seeing Salman Khan teasing Jethalal or Akshay Kumar doing a garba with Daya brings back memories of a simpler, more exciting time on TV.
These crossover moments weren't just about film promotion—they were nostalgic, heartwarming experiences where fans saw their favourite movie stars interacting with beloved TMKOC characters. Even today, these episodes continue to trend online, bringing back the charm of those golden days.
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