Asit Modi, the producer of the popular Indian comedy series “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,” recently celebrated the show’s 18-year milestone. In a recent conversation, he criticized the growing obsession with religion, caste, and language in society. Modi emphasized that people should identify primarily as Indians, which he believes would foster brotherhood and strengthen the spirit of living together.
He noted that in today’s interactions, the first questions often revolve around one’s religion, caste, community, or language. “If we start by saying we are Indian, many issues can be resolved, and everyone can live harmoniously,” he stated.
Reflecting on his childhood, Modi recalled living in a chawl (a type of tenement) in Mumbai, where neighbors were treated like family. “Dilip Bhai and I both lived in chawls. In Mumbai, whether it was Bhuleshwar, Kalbadevi, or Dadar, we all resided in these close-knit communities. Neighbors became our family because homes were small. The concept of nuclear families did not exist back then. I still connect with those neighbors from when I was six or seven years old.”
Modi emphasized the importance of community living, saying, “When you live with your neighbors, you learn to compromise and coexist. I believe this is crucial for our country today. Nowadays, many people don’t even know who lives next door. Some don’t even smile at the watchman or the lift operator. We should be grateful to everyone who serves us. Our neighbors are our first family.”
He also mentioned that “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” has inspired many communities. The show has influenced societal norms around coexistence. “The concept of our show has been successful. Many colonies have been formed with this spirit. People have told us they were inspired by our show to create such communities. I even received an invitation to visit a colony in Rajkot. We should all think about how we can live together. Even if we have differing opinions, we should avoid arguments. We must focus on how to coexist peacefully.”