TMKOC's Mrs.Bhide aka Sonalika Joshi reacts on show giving tough competition to Kyunki 2: 'We just take our..'

After 17 years on air, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma continues to enjoy widespread popularity across age groups. In an exclusive interactionb with India Forums, Sonalika Joshi spoke candidly about what makes the show so special, giving tough competition to shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 and what is it about shows today that the audience is failing to connect.

TMKOC, even after all these years has been giving a tough competition to various other popular shows on TV, what do you think keeps the spark alive for the audience even today?

I would say it is our simplicity and the way people can relate to us. Just like real people in the outside world, we have those kinds of characters on our show. That is why people connect with us.
This kind of simplicity, without exaggerated comedy, reflects normal day-to-day life. It has become the unique identity of our show. I believe this is what puts us in a win-win situation. People enjoy that. People have connected with us for so many years. They keep showering us with love. One of the most special things is that the show appeals to all age groups. When families sit together to watch television, everyone from the elderly to the youngest kids can enjoy the show. There is no negativity or politics. It is just laughter and relatability. That is the fun part. If someone has had a tough day, they can watch our show and feel the stress disappear. That is what I believe is special. That is the show’s USP.

The show has also been giving a tough competition to other popular shows like Kyunki 2, how do you see that?

I think that is a technical matter and there is a team to manage that. As an artist, I believe my role is only to work. Our team never focuses on how much we are delivering in terms of numbers. We just take our responsibility seriously. The amount of love people give us, we treat that with respect and gratitude. We make sure that our audience never feels bored. It is not just about the actors. Our writing team, the production team, everyone, we are all on the same page. We work together to keep entertaining our viewers consistently. Personally, I do not count TRPs. I do not care if it is going up or down. What matters most is staying in the hearts of the audience. That is the TRP that really matters to me.

I think that is a technical matter and there is a team to manage that. As an artist, I believe my role is only to work. Our team never focuses on how much we are delivering in terms of numbers. We just take our responsibility seriously

- Sonalika Joshi

Shows these days go off air in a matter of months, what do you think do they lack that they are unable to keep up with viewers' interest?

I do not think I have an answer to that. I feel there are multiple reasons for a show to not work. I really do not know what should happen or what shouldn't. But we have been doing this for 17 years. I just feel that if a show is successful, you must understand that responsibility and continue working hard. You have to stay focused on your work and give it your best. All the artists here do that. From my side, this is the only answer I can give.

Even after nearly two decades, the team of TMKOC remains committed to delivering wholesome entertainment. With a strong sense of responsibility toward their audience, the cast and crew continue to focus on hard work, consistency, and genuine connection, proving that sincerity never goes out of style.