Exclusive - From being a part of creative team to working with Shah Rukh Khan in Dil Toh Pagal Hai: Balvinder Singh Suri aka Roshan Sodhi of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah on his journey

Balvinder Singh Suri, best known as Roshan Sodhi from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has had a truly inspiring journey in the entertainment world. Before becoming one of TV’s most loved characters, he worked behind the scenes as part of the show’s creative team. Over the years, Balvinder has explored many sides of the industry, from writing to acting alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Dil Toh Pagal Hai and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. In a candid chat with Times of India TV, he talks about his journey, working on TMKOC and the show's USP. (Photo: Instagram)

We have to perform based on the script we receive and that’s how it works. But the real credit goes to our creative team, our producer Asit Kumarr Modi bhai, our show's creators, and the writers. As I mentioned earlier, there’s immense pressure on them. The kind of comedy they deliver consistently is no easy task. This is, after all, the longest-running sitcom in the world. The team carries a huge responsibility on their shoulders. (Photo: Instagram)

Unlike international shows like Friends, The Big Bang Theory, or Modern Family, which run for specific seasons, our show airs six days a week — Monday to Saturday. Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, when most shows were airing repeats, we continued giving fresh episodes. That’s only possible because of Waheguruji’s blessings. Truly, when God’s hand is upon someone, everything falls into place. Very few people know that I worked as Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s creative director for six months. That’s actually how I got my entry here — out of curiosity to understand the secret behind the show’s phenomenal success. Before this, I had already done around 3000 episodes as a creative for SAB TV. But this show had something truly magical. (Photo: Instagram)

After joining, both as a creative and later as an actor, I realized the real essence — the sheer dedication of every single person involved. It’s like in cricket — every ball here scores a boundary or a six. That’s the mindset everyone works with. Whether it’s the writers, directors, actors, light technicians, or the DOP, each one ensures that every line, every scene, every moment feels fresh. Asit bhai spends the most time on the script. He analyzes every little detail, deciding which dialogue suits which character best, down to the smallest nuance. His precision and commitment are unmatched. He leaves no stone unturned, and that meticulous effort reflects in the show’s consistent success. Hard work always pays off, and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is living proof of that. (Photo: Instagram)

These days, people live in tall towers, behind closed doors. Neighbors hardly know each other, no one borrows sugar or keeps spare keys anymore, that sense of connection has faded. And that’s exactly what people miss. One of the biggest strengths of Taarak is its rootedness, its reflection of a simple, grounded life. Many people tell me, “Ballu, if you had a real soda shop, I’d bring my friends there every Saturday!” And honestly, what could be a greater compliment than that? It’s the kind of love and emotion that Taarak Mehta evokes, something deeply human, something that unites hearts. (Photo: Instagram)

I’m not sure if many people are aware, but a few months ago 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai' was re-released. I went to watch it, and what made the moment truly special was that my son and daughter-in-law accompanied me. It felt surreal to sit beside them and relive those memories — it took me back to my youth, nearly 27 years ago. The film originally came out in 1997, and here we are in 2025, still celebrating it. Those were legendary times — the actors in Taarak Mehta are incredible, but that era and its stars were in a league of their own. (Photo: Instagram)

Shah Rukh Khan, for instance, is still Shah Rukh Khan. I had worked with him in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, and I honestly thought he might have forgotten me after all these years. But on set, I suddenly heard someone calling out, “Ballu!” When I looked, it was Shah Rukh himself sitting behind the monitor. I was taken aback and touched. It was such a genuine moment. With Yash Chopra directing, and co-stars like Madhuri Dixit, Karisma Kapoor, and Akshay Kumar, it truly felt like being part of something magical. And since it was my very first film, I was on cloud nine throughout. (Photo: Instagram)

Yes, I’ve worked with him several times. In fact, I’ve done two advertisements alongside him, one for a car and another for a digital brand. He is truly grounded despite being at such a massive level. When you meet him, you immediately understand why he’s a star — it’s not just talent, it’s his humility, his memory, his warmth. He remembers every person he’s met, even by name — it’s unbelievable, almost like a God-gifted photographic memory. That’s what makes people like him, Aamir Bhai, and Salman Ji so exceptional. They’ve been ruling the industry for over three decades, yet they still work as hard as ever. Their dedication and passion are incredible. There’s so much to learn from them, even after all these years, they still aim to deliver a perfect shot, to hit a four or a six every single time. (Photo: Instagram)