I’m clueless as to how the TRPs work

It was a sin to keep one of the finest exponents of comedy away from his forte. However, amends have been made and viewers will once again see seasoned actor Dilip Joshi at his hilarious best in SAB TV's new comedy serial Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, which is an adaptation of the literary work of the famous Gujarati writer Taarak Mehta.

It's not only a return to comedy for Dilip but he's also sporting a younger look for this show. We caught up with the actor for a brief chat at the show's launch.


After a long time we are getting to see a young Dilip Joshi.

(Laughs) Yeah that's true but it's also been long since I've been associated with a comedy show – one which is very much of my liking. It is not loud but very subtle and it offers you plenty of room for improvisation.

Is Taarak Mehta.. not just a return to comedy but also a return to playing leading roles?

Yeah, you can say that. After a long time, I'm playing a pivotal role in a show. People though hadn't forgotten me. Often, I would meet people who still talk about my past shows.

Can you speak on your character?

I play Jethalal. He's a happy-go-lucky guy, not very ambitious and less educated. He's like your typical Gujarati guy. He owns an electronic shop but he himself is not very tech savvy but he knows how to sell it.

His son Tapu (Bhavya Gandhi) is a problem child and the entire society is upset with him. Jethalal's neighbour Tarak Mehta advises him to bring his father home who can look after Tapu. However, the problem is that his father turns out to be an even bigger Tapu. Thus Jethlalal is caught between the antics of his father and son.

If you talk of humour on television, it's only the stand-up shows which are successful. Comedy serials have been on the decline.

Yes, stand-up shows have become more popular. There was a time when the viewers were yearning for comedy unfortunately no channel wanted to do comedy then. There was a void which was then filled by Laughter Challenge. As always with television, if one particular concept works then it becomes a trend. Thereafter, every channel had a stand-up comedy show. Similarly, there has been a dearth of comedy serials but I believe Taarak Mehta.. will fill this void.

SAB claims to be a comedy channel but their shows have all bombed. Were you apprehensive in doing a show with them?

Apparently, the producer Asit Modi had thought of this concept 7-8 years ago. He approached all the channels but none of them believed in him. Finally, they approached SAB and they showed faith in the concept.

How is it to work with Shailesh Lodha? And does he fit the bill as Taarak Mehta?

Shailesh is a brilliant poet and that in itself sets him apart from us. Being a poet, he's well versed with literature. Casting him as Taraak Mehta is a very smart movie. Taarak Mehta is a legendary name in Gujarati circles but television caters to people all over India and especially the Hindi heartland who may be unaware of Taarak. Thus as a Hindi poet, he's the best person to spread the message of Taarak Mehta.

Will Taarak Mehta Ko Ooltah Chashmah last as long as the literary work?

Well, I'm still clueless as to how the TRPs work. At the end of the day, it all boils down to economics. After all, the channel wants to make money. If it generates the desired numbers then the show will stay.

What's the position on your other show Main Aisi Kyun Hoon. How long will it last?

(Laughs) That's now become a quiz