Amidst swirling rumors regarding the potential departure of Dilip Joshi, famed for his portrayal of Jethalal, from the long-running sitcom "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah" (TMKOC), the show's creator, Asit Kumarr Modi, has stepped forward to address the speculation. Modi has firmly denied these claims, assuring fans that Joshi remains an integral part of the TMKOC team.
The rumors gained momentum due to the noticeable absence of both Dilip Joshi and Munmun Dutta, who plays Babita, from recent episodes, specifically the ongoing "Bhootni" storyline. This storyline features the members of Gokuldham Society on a spooky vacation in a haunted bungalow, but Jethalal and Babita were conspicuously missing, leading to fan speculation about a possible exit.
In an interview with Moneycontrol, Asit Kumarr Modi addressed the rumors directly, dismissing them as "fake and untrue". He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, especially in the face of negativity often found on social media. Modi highlighted that "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah" is a show that aims to spread happiness and promote family values, and that spreading unfounded rumors contradicts the show's core principles.
Modi clarified that the absence of Joshi and Dutta was due to personal reasons and commitments, and not due to any intention to leave the show. He stated, "Lekin kuch nahi hai, sab log hamari team ka part hai. Kuch unke personal reasons the to us time nahi the. To aise koi baat nahi hai," which translates to "But there's nothing like that, everyone is part of our team. They were not present at that time due to some personal reasons. So, there's no such issue". He added that it is not always possible for every story to revolve around a single character, and people often jump to conclusions without knowing the full story.
Munmun Dutta also addressed the rumors of her departure via an Instagram post, where she shared a video from the set of TMKOC, confirming her continued involvement in the show. This further solidified Modi's statement and reassured fans that the core cast remains committed to the show.
"Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah," which premiered in 2008, is inspired by the Gujarati column "Duniya Ne Undha Chashma" by journalist and playwright Taarak Mehta. The show revolves around the residents of Gokuldham Society, a diverse group of individuals living in Mumbai. Dilip Joshi's character, Jethalal Champaklal Gada, is central to the show's narrative, and his comedic timing and everyday struggles have made him a beloved character.
The show has seen several cast changes throughout its run, but it has maintained its popularity and continues to be a fan favorite. Asit Kumarr Modi's recent statements serve to reassure the show's loyal viewers that despite the rumors, key members like Dilip Joshi and Munmun Dutta remain an integral part of the TMKOC family. Modi has urged fans and viewers to maintain a positive outlook and not to give credence to baseless rumors that circulate on social media.