Tarak Mehta, a beloved Indian columnist, humorist, writer, and playwright, is best remembered for his iconic column Duniya Ne Undha Chasma. His wit and humor resonated with countless readers, and his work made a significant mark on both Indian literature and Gujarati theatre.
A Legendary Columnist and Author
Tarak Mehta’s popular weekly column Duniya Ne Undha Chasma first appeared in Chitralekha magazine in March 1971. Known for his fresh, humorous perspective on contemporary issues, his column became a favorite among readers. Over his career, Mehta authored an impressive 80 books, solidifying his reputation as one of India’s most insightful and entertaining writers.
A Show Inspired by His Work
In 2008, SAB TV (now Sony SAB) launched the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, based on Mehta’s column. The show became a flagship program of the channel and continues to entertain audiences to this day. Initially, actor Shailesh Lodha played the role of Taarak Mehta until 2022, when Sachin Shroff took over the role.
Personal Life and Legacy
Tarak Mehta was from the Gujarati Nagar Brahman community and lived in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with his second wife, Indu, whom he had been married to for over 30 years. His first wife, Ila, later married Manohar Doshi (who passed away in 2006). Mehta had a daughter, Eshani, who lives in the United States, and two grandchildren, Kushaan and Shailee.
Tarak Mehta passed away on March 1, 2017, at the age of 87 after a prolonged illness. In an act of kindness, his family donated his body to medical research, continuing his legacy of contributing to society.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Mehta was recognized for his contributions to literature and humor. In 2015, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. He also received the Sahitya Gaurav Puraskar from the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi in 2011. After his passing, Mehta was posthumously awarded the Ramanlal Nilkanth Hasya Paritoshik in 2017 for his extraordinary contributions to humor.
