TMKOC’s Bagha aka Tanmay Vekaria on how one cameo turned into 15 years of stability

Television actor Tanmay Vekaria, best known for playing Bagha in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, recently addressed speculation around his possible exit from the show. Speaking in a candid chat with Filmigyan, the actor said leaving the sitcom is not something he can even imagine.

Vekaria recalled that before landing the role in Taarak Mehta, he went through a tough period professionally. “I had gone for four months without work,” he shared. “I was doing a show that eventually got scrapped by the channel. That’s when I started thinking about quitting the industry and taking up a regular 9-to-5 job.”

He admitted that during that time, he considered switching careers. “In that phase, I might have thought of opting for another job and I might have thought of quitting acting,” he said. But he made it clear that once he became a part of Taarak Mehta, he never had such doubts again. “In Taarak, nothing like this ever happened that I had to think of quitting.”

Interestingly, his journey on the show began with a cameo. Over time, the small role turned into one of the most loved characters. “It feels really good,” Tanmay said. “I feel blessed to be part of a show where I initially just did cameos. It’s been almost 15 years since Bagha was introduced, and being part of a history-making show that has been loved for 17 years is truly special.”

When asked whether he had ever thought of turning down the role, Tanmay responded, “Well, there was no question of refusing. But yes, if I had thought that I should wait for something better, I wouldn’t have been sitting here today.” He added that he believes God had better plans for him and guided him to take the decision.

While rumours often surface about cast exits from the long-running series, Tanmay's reflection shows the depth of his bond with the show that gave him not just stability, but identity.