Popular Gujarati writer and noted play writer Tarak Mehta passed away this morning at his Ahmedabad residence. He was 87 and suffering from age related illness since long. The famous humorist was best known for his column “Duniya Ne Undha Chasma” in Mumbai based Gujarati news weekly “Chitralekha”. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2015. His weekly column first featured in Chitralekha news weekly in March 1971. He has written around 80 books on various pressing issues.
The popular comic television serial ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ is a television adaptation of Padma Shri Taarak Mehta’s column ‘Duniya Ne Undha Chasma’. Our correspondent reports Mehta had also served in Films Division- Mumbai as a script writer. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Health Minister Shankar Chaudhari have expressed grief over his demise.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the noted playwright and comedy writer Taarak Mehta. In a series of tweets Mr Modi said the popular Gujarati humourist’s writings reflected the unity in diversity of India. Reminiscing about his meeting with Taarak Mehta, Mr Modi said, he have had the privilege of meeting Mehta several times. He said he also got a chance to meet Mehta when he was honoured with the Padma Shri.