Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah recently completed a massive 17 years on Indian television—a feat very few shows can claim. And right at the heart of this journey is Dilip Joshi, the man who brought Jethalal Gada to life.
Looking back, Dilip Joshi got emotional as he recalled the moment this journey began. “Sabse pehle, Jai Swaminarayan to everyone,” he began. “The most special moment for me was when Asit bhai called me to his office and said, ‘I want to offer you the role of Jethalal. Will you do it?’”
It wasn’t just another role. Dilip and Asit Modi had known each other since their college days. Over the years, Asit had offered him meaningful roles in various comedy serials—from “Hum Sab Ek Hain” to “Yeh Duniya Hai Rangeen.” But Jethalal was something else.
“I used to read the Taarak Mehta columns as a kid,” Dilip said. “So I already knew how funny and interesting the characters were. When Asit bhai offered me this role in 2008, I just knew this was going to be a blast.”
The rest is history.
For 17 years, Dilip Joshi has been the face of Gada Electronics, bringing endless laughter into Indian homes. His comic timing, expressions, and voice modulation made Jethalal more than just a TV character—he became a part of our families.
“When I think about it now, I feel like if I hadn’t gotten this role, I don’t know where I would be today,” Dilip admitted. “This show changed my life.”
The journey hasn’t just been about shooting episodes. Over the years, the set turned into a second home. Dilip credits the entire team—from co-actors to technicians—for creating a work environment filled with laughter, warmth, and deep friendship.
During the recent celebration of 17 years, the cast brought their real families to the set. For Dilip, the moment turned iconic when his reel-life father, Amit Bhatt (aka Bapuji), met his real father. The photo of all three generations together—Dilip, Amit, and his real father—was a heartwarming reminder of how deeply this show has blurred the lines between fiction and reality.
Dilip was joined by his wife Jaymala and daughter Niyati during the special shoot, making the celebration even more personal. “The set felt like one big family get-together,” he said. “We laughed, we clicked photos, we relived memories.”
Amit Bhatt, who plays the ever-grumpy yet lovable Bapuji, shared a lighthearted moment with Dilip’s real dad, making everyone smile. “That day felt surreal,” Dilip said. “Jethalal’s world and Dilip’s world came together.”
Even after 17 years, the show continues to thrive. With new episodes airing in 2025 and a cast that still brings fresh energy to the screen, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah remains a rare gem. From socially relevant comedy to everyday slice-of-life storytelling, the show has managed to keep its core spirit alive.
As Dilip puts it, “This character, this show—it’s given me everything. And I’ll always be grateful.”
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