Remembering Original Taarak Mehta

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Ahmed

@terenaam_ahm

Dazzler

Posted: 8 years ago

Padma Shri award winner and writer-columnist Taarak Mehta (87), passed away in Ahmedabad on 1st March 2017.

Asit Kumarr Modi says, "Though the screenplay and dialogues are something that the show's entire team should take credit for, I cannot deny how his columns actually led me to make a show for the TV audiences. We had to adapt the whole concept for TV and make changes accordingly.

I knew Taarak sir for the last 15 years and used to visit Ahemdabad once in a month just to meet him. He was a great gentleman and I used to always follow his advise for the show.

Shailesh Lodha says, he is yet to read the writer's columns because he does not know how to read Gujarati. He also admits that he did not know much about the writer, till the producer introduced him to his world of humour and rich Gujarati literature.

Shailesh says, "It is only thanks to Asit Kumarr, that I was educated about Taarak Mehta's work and his humorous columns. We used to share a secret smile with each other, whenever he came on the sets. He used to see me enact his character in the show.

We connected instantly when he came on the sets of the show inspired by his column. I feel that creative individuals like him never die because their work will continue to inspire us. Future generations too will read his columns."

There is an interesting thing about how the lead character, Jethalal got his name. The eminent writer used to address one of his best friends, Mahesh Vakil as Jethalal in his columns.

Dilip Joshi Says, I have done lots of Gujarati plays which were written by Taarak sir. I knew him as a writer before Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. He was an inspiration to many actors.

I had the privilege of working with him in a play called Sakha Sahiyara in 1998."

when Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah launched in 2008. Back then, Mehta was a resident of Mumbai. "I would meet him quite often and even after he moved to Ahmedabad. It was always a pleasure to see him.

His health started deteriorating in the last year. But even when he was weak, his humour was top-notch. He'd crack one-liners that would leave us in splits. He spoke less, but whatever he said was almost always witty," Joshi added.

Disha Vakani, Taarak sir was a great person. he had great sense of humour. he had a big heart and I still don't believe that he is no more with us. he was an inspiration to many of us.

Amit Bhatt expressed before taking up this role, I took his blessing. I was very nervous at that time, but Taarak sir helped me in overcoming my fear. I still remember that when our show completed 100 episodes, Taarak sir called me up and said that I have done full justice to my character.

At the age of 90, he used to still make people laugh. he had great sense of humour. Our industry has lost a great person.

Munmun Dutta says: Last time when I met him, I could see his health failing him. He was still spirited and full of life. People will always remember him as the man who gave everyone the reason to laugh through his writings. My respect to him.