July 28, 2008, was the day Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah first aired on television. The sitcom, created and produced by Asit Kumarr Modi, recently completed 18 years of uninterrupted run on the small screen. As TMKOC turned 18, Zoom exclusively interacted with actor Tanuj Mahashabde, who plays Iyer in the show. In conversation with us, the actor spoke about joyous memories associated with the show. However, Tanuj reflected on a sad moment. He recalled the time the Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah team lost Kavi Kumar Azad, who was seen as Dr Hathi.
Tanuj Mahashabde on Kavi Kumar Azad’s death
When was asked about his fond memories associated with TMKOC, the actor told us in Hindi, “There have been so many beautiful and memorable moments here. We enjoy every day. We enjoy ourselves; we enjoy with everyone. There have been a lot of happy moments.”
Tanuj Mahashabde
He further recalled losing his co-star Kavi Kumar Azad, who was fondly called Hathi Bhai in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. “But there is a sad moment that I would like to share. One day, we were shooting with old Hathiji (late Kavi Kumar Azad) till evening. The scene was over. Everybody went home after bidding goodbye to each other. The next morning, the same scene was about to move forward. And we suddenly got the news that he was no more,” he shared.
The television actor continued in Hindi, “It was painful for the whole unit. I still can’t stop myself from getting nervous. This was a very bad incident that happened to us. Anyway, there is nothing beyond God’s will. But (it feels like) he is watching us and is enjoying this moment about the show completing 18 years.”
Tanuj Mahashabde on fans referring to him as Iyer
As the conversation continued, Tanuj admitted that he never had any problem with fans remembering him as Iyer. The actor feels happy when he is called by his character name.
“Khushi isiliye hoti hai kyunki har koi mujhe Iyer hi kehta hai. Iyer kehta hai aur saathme Babita ka naam bhi leta hai. Beech mein main thoda nervous tha ki yaar mujhe koi Iyer Bhai kyu nahi bulata, Babita ka husband kyu bulate hai? Jokes apart, sab hi log acche hai aur bada accha lagta hai. Iyer bulane se malum padta hai ki jo kirdaar kiya hai vo kahi na kahi inke dil ko chu raha hai,” he said while signing off.