Actor Dilip Joshi, who has won hearts for years as Jethalal in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has put an end to swirling rumours about his exit from the show. On Tuesday night, he was spotted attending a grand success celebration hosted by Neela Film Productions, the creators of the iconic sitcom. The party was organised as the show completed 17 years and Dilip’s presence alongside his wife Jaymala Joshi at the event where he posed for paparazzi quietly but firmly dismissed all the speculations about his departure.
The celebration was not limited to Dilip Joshi alone. Several cast members of TMKOC, including Munmun Dutta, Amit Bhatt and Shyam Pathak also made an appearance. Munmun Dutta, known for her role as Babita Ji, joined Amit Bhatt who plays Champak Lal Gada and Shyam Pathak, who essays the character of Popatlal, to mark the show’s continued success.
The buzz around Dilip Joshi’s alleged exit had gained momentum last month when viewers noticed his absence in the ongoing ‘Bhootni’ storyline. In that particular plot, most of the Gokuldham society residents were seen vacationing in a supposedly haunted bungalow. Characters like Bapuji, Popatlal, Sodhi, Taarak Mehta and Anjali were all part of the spooky sequence but the noticeable absence of Jethalal and Babita Ji left fans puzzled. This led to widespread speculation that both Dilip Joshi and Munmun Dutta might be quitting the show.
In response to the growing chatter, the show’s producer Asit Kumarr Modi addressed the rumours head-on. While speaking in an interview, he clarified that both the actors remain very much part of the TMKOC family. He criticised the current trend on social media, where even the smallest developments are blown out of proportion. Emphasising the positive and family-oriented spirit of the show, he urged fans to think constructively rather than fueling baseless gossip.
Asit Modi explained that the actors’ recent absence from episodes was purely due to personal reasons and not an indication of them parting ways with the show. He reassured fans by saying, “There’s nothing to worry about; everyone is still part of our team.”
With Dilip Joshi’s cheerful presence at the celebration and the official word from the producer, it’s now clear — Jethalal is not going anywhere.
