Tarak Mehta was a much loved name in Gujarat's literary circles. He became a household name across the country, and abroad too, after Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, based on his writings, went on air in 2008.
The daily soap brought a whiff of fresh air in an era dominated by countless saas-bahu sagas, and it remains one of the top, longest running shows on Indian entertainment television. India woke up to some very sad news on Wednesday morning, as the light-hearted show lost its soul.
Mehta, who had the unique gift of viewing the world through his `ooltah chashmah', breathed his last in Ahmedabad at 87, after a prolonged illness. And with his demise, curtains fell on an era of clean humour and quintessentially middle-class oriented writings, which entertained millions of readers for years.
Without resorting to double-meaning jokes and below the belt humour, considered par for the course in today's times by many, Mehta managed to bring a chuckle on the faces of readers from different generations. And he did it day after day, year after year.
It takes special ability to make people laugh, but Mehta did it effortlessly .And even when he went through troubled times in his personal life, this gifted writer didn't let it affect his writings. In fact, there is a lot to learn from his personal life too. Though he separated from Ila, his first wife, many years ago, they continued to share a very special bond. While Ila married Manohar Doshi soon after separation, Mehta married Indu. There was no bitterness between the families and after Doshi passed away, the Mehtas insisted that Ila should also move to Ahmedabad. The couple helped her find a house, and they lived in separate flats in the same building. According to family friends, Ila and Indu would attend all social functions together, including Mehta's book release functions, and the three would make it a point to have dinner together. Ila's daughter Ishani was also close to Indu and stayed with the Mehtas till she moved to US.
In 2009, tragedy struck when Ila, who was suffering from depression, committed suicide. Mehta even suffered from glaucoma for a long time, but this eye problem couldn't damage his humorous `vision'.
In spite of these setbacks in his personal life, he continued to make the nation laugh till his very last breath.
His contribution to Gujarati literature was immense: Hitu Kanodia
I remember meeting him with my father when I was very young. I have followed his column Duniya Ne Undha Chashma and also follow the TV show sometimes. His observations about small things in life were amazing. His contribution to Gujarati literature is immense. His death is a huge loss to Gujarati literature.
His work make me feel upbeat: Disha Vakani
Tarak Mehta sir was great person. Prior to doing Taarak Mehta..., when I was doing theatre,if ever I felt sad , reading his books or articles filled me with positivity and made me feel upbeat.I am still in shock over his death. I have met his death. I have met him many times at his place. His death is a big loss to Gujarati literature and I feel blessed to be associated with the show that is based on his articles.
Have grown up reading his work: Deven Bhojani
He was a legend. I have grown up reading his work and also watched the popular TV series based on one of his books. He was a blessing in our lives. We will surely miss him.
I used to read his column avidly: Aditi Desai
He was a legendry writer whose contribution to Gujarati literature will always be remembered. I used to follow his column Duniya Ne Undha Chashma regularly and adored his style.
He was warm, affectionate and selfless: Kajal Oza-Vaidya
He was a very warm and affectionate person - never had any expectations and always welcomed everyone whole-heartedly. I was like a daughter to him.Even though I couldn't meet him much in recent times, he never complained to me about not keeping in touch. He never got into any politics nor did he have any ill words to say about anyone. He was selfless, didn't crave for any awards, never felt jealous of his contemporaries. His literary contributions are phenomenal. My personal favourite is his autobiography Action Replay - it would be impossible for anyone else to pen it like him! He could express his thoughts in his writings without any inhibitions.