Renowned columnist, humorist, and writer Taarak Mehta passed away at the age of 87 this morning. He was suffering from prolonged illness. He was best known for his column in Gujarati language Duniya Ne Undha Chashma. The popular comedy show on channel Sab TV, Taarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashma was inspired by his column.
A well-known figure in Gujarati literature, Taarak Mehta was honored with the Padma Shri in 2015.
Taarak Mehta’s weekly column first appeared in Chitralekha in March 1971. The column gained popularity owing to its contemporary outlook to different problems. Through his work, he tried to give common citizens a get away from their problems.
Apart from the hugely popular column, Taarak Mehta also penned over 80 books. Out of these, three books were based on the columns he wrote in Gujarati newspaper Divya Bhaskar.
Hailing from the Nagar community, Taarak Mehta lived in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He was residing at the place with his second wife Indu. He is survived by three children- a daughter Ishani from his first wife, and Kushaan and Shailee from the second marriage.
The serial inspired from his work- Taarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashma has become one of the most TRP raking ones on Indian television. Set in a fictional Gokuldham Society, the show tells how the families of the society are affected by problems and how they deal with it. The serial also features a character named Taarak Mehta played by actor Shailesh Lodha. Recently, one of the most popular actors of the show Bhavya Gandhi who played the role of Tappu left the serial.
