Popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has surpassed all the daily soaps to become the longest-running comedy show. Based on Gujarati writer Taarak Mehta’s columns, the show kick started in 2008 and completed 11 years recently. It has given TV some iconic characters like Jethalal and Dayaben.
Dilip Joshi, who plays Jethalal, has been a part of the show since its inception and says the fact that it has completed such a long run gives him a surreal feeling.
“God has been really kind,” Joshi expresses his gratitude while talking about his journey on the show. “We haven’t got tired yet. Personally, I am not worn out playing this character. It still feels fresh, and there’s a lot to do with it. So, I never felt like quitting,” he says and adds, “Sometimes you obviously feel tired but that’s physical. There never has been mental fatigue. We, in fact, look forward to going to the shoot.”
Not many know that before signing the show, Joshi was going through a lackluster phase. The actor had only a few projects here and there but nothing concrete. After a year of being jobless, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah happened to him, which he admits is a blessing. “That one year was like calm before the storm,” he recalls. “Now life has changed completely.” Despite being one of the most popular faces on Indian TV, Joshi still reminisces the time when he was jobless. “Those moments keep you grounded. That is when such success doesn’t go to your head,” he says.
The 51-year-old reveals he is nothing like his on-screen character. “First of all, I don’t have a Babita in my life,” he jests. Talking about Jethalal and Babita’s quirky relationship, Dilip adds, “I have always maintained from day one that there is no vulgarity involved in Babita-Jethalal’s relationship. There’s innocence in it. I don’t think I have crossed the line.”
Dilip was paired with actress Disha Vakani in the show till recently. She played his on-screen wife Dayaben, but, she opted out post the delivery of her baby. Reports suggest that a new actress is stepping into her shoes. Ask Dilip how comfortable he is going to be with the new Daya, and he says, “I don’t know, never say never. Disha might return as Dayaben. I’m hoping and keeping my fingers crossed.” Having said that, the actor is also prepared if there is a new development in the cast, “If someone from our family goes, life goes on. You have to adjust. There’s no option.”
Dilip, however, has second thoughts on any actress replacing Disha. “I think she owns this character. She has worked hard for nine-and-a-half years.”
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 "Dilip Joshi")
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