Why was TMKOC's Madhavi Bhabhi aka Sonalika Joshi once called a 'chain smoker?' Actress reveals

Over the years, public figures have found themselves at the center of speculation, sometimes for reasons entirely removed from their actual work. Whether it’s a rumour about leaving a show or a misinterpreted social media post, reactions can spiral fast in the age of instant content and commentary. Sonalika Joshi, best known for her role as Madhavi Bhabhi in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, recently opened up in a conversation with Subhojit Ghosh about how she navigates this environment.

She reflected on how the constant noise outside doesn’t really affect her anymore. When asked if she get bothered by rumours about her and reports of her quitting Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma, her response was straightforward: “Nahi hota. Not at all. Because I know what I am.”

Recalling one specific incident that caught public attention, Sonalika described how a photoshoot she did led to unintended assumptions. In one of the pictures, she was holding a cigarette. “I was just holding it and sitting like that. I wasn’t even smoking. It was just for the style, for the pose,” she said. But the image sparked a wave of content online, leading to assumptions that she was a regular smoker. “Then suddenly, so many things came out on YouTube—‘I’m a chain smoker’ and what not,” she added.

Then suddenly, so many things came out on YouTube—‘I’m a chain smoker’ and what not,

- Sonalika Joshi

Instead of reacting to the speculation, Sonalika chose to stay calm. “I said, let them talk,” she noted, explaining that what really matters to her is the opinion of her family. “My family is my most important, my greatest asset. If they know how I am, then what difference does it make what people say or what they print?”

She pointed out how some people fail to see the difference between a character or styled shoot and a person’s real identity. “It was a proper photoshoot. The look was totally different. I wasn’t casually smoking with a group or playing Sonalika doing that. If they don’t understand that, let them talk,” she said. For her, there’s no need to explain her choices to those who have already decided to misjudge. “Maybe they’re enjoying it. Maybe their YouTube is getting views. Either they get some sadistic pleasure, or they just want to be judgmental. Let them.”

On the personal front, she shared that her husband doesn’t smoke, and that was something she had consciously looked for when getting married. “I even found someone who doesn’t smoke. Back then in arranged marriages, we used to check all this, you know?” she said. She noted how today some people look for companionship in shared habits like smoking. “Oh you smoke? Me too. Let’s enjoy together,” she joked.

She also clarified that even her young daughter isn’t affected by such rumours. “I think they’re strong-headed because they know the reality. They only believe in the truth,” she said. According to Sonalika, once you’re in the public eye, these things are bound to happen. Memes, speculation, and gossip are all part of the package. “So many memes have been made. So many things… even about Taarak Mehta,” she said. “It’s okay. Let them do what they want. What difference does it make? You can’t go around shutting people’s mouths.”

Without raising her voice or defending herself aggressively, Sonalika Joshi made her stance clear: she knows who she is, and she’s at peace with it. Letting others talk doesn’t shake that.

On the personal front, Sonalika Joshi shared that her husband does not smoke, a quality she consciously sought in her partner. She reflected on how, in arranged marriages, such considerations were common. She also observed that nowadays, some people prefer partners who share habits like smoking, noting this trend with a lighthearted comment.

Regarding the impact of rumours on her family, she mentioned that her young daughter remains unaffected, describing her as strong-headed and grounded in reality. Sonalika acknowledged that being in the public eye naturally brings with it memes, gossip, and speculation. She cited examples, including those related to her long-running show, indicating acceptance of this aspect of public life.

Her remarks underline an understanding that public scrutiny and commentary are inevitable, and that responding calmly without confrontation is her chosen approach.