Noted Gujarati playwright and humourist Padma Shri Taarak Mehta, whose writings were adapted into a highly popular TV serial Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah died at the age of 88 after prolonged illness on Wednesday morning.
He died of old age,” said Atul Bhatt, a relative. Mehta died in hospital and his family decided to donate his body to science.
The popular Hindi serial Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah was inspired by Mehta's Gujarati columns Duniya Ne Undha Chashma . The teleserial is one of the longest running comedy serials in the television history in India.
PM’s condoles death
As soon as news of his death spread, a string of political leaders including the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, BJP president Amit Shah and others condoled his demise while hailing his works in Gujarati literature.
Mr. Modi recounted how Mehta “never left the side of satire and pen”.
“I have had the privilege of meeting Mehta several times. I also got a chance to meet him when he was honoured with Padma Shri. His work reflects unity in diversity in India.” PM Modi said while remembering his meeting with the writer.
Munmun Dutta, one of the actors in the serial, tweeted: “Saddened by the news of Taarak Mehta sir passing away. Last time when I met him, I could see his health failing him. He was still spirited and full of life. People will always remember him as the man who gave everyone the reason to laugh through his writings. My respect to him.”
