Exclusive - Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's Jennifer Mistry aka Roshan: Disha Vakani and I have a karmic connection

Jennifer Mistry, who became a household name after playing the role of Roshan in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmash, is beaming with joy that their show has completed 12 years. The actress recently spoke to ETimes TV exclusively and shared with us about her transition from a housewife to an actress. She also revealed a few funny fan moments that happened with her in real-life and about her bond with Disha Vakani aka Dayaben in real-life. She shared that Disha and she are in touch during lockdown and feels that she has a karmic connection with the actress. (Photo: Instagram) By: Vijaya Tiwari

The feeling is something that can't be described in words. Everyday was a new day and each day something new and interesting would happen on-screen and off-screen. We had so many beautiful memories while shooting. We never got bored of shooting or coming to work ever. The festival celebrations that we have done were the most amazing ones. Because personally we could never enjoy the festivals to that extent because we would be busy shooting. We have shot so many festivals like Holi, Diwali, Christmas with full enthusiasm that there was hardly any energy left to do anything in real life. In last 12 years Taarak team has become the first family for us because everything we celebrated there first. We have done this show for 12 years and ab aisa lag raha jaise humein aage jaake pension bhi milegi iss show se... (laughs) (Photo: Instagram)

There are so many common things between Disha Vakani and my life. Now, during lockdown we have started interacting a lot otherwise before lockdown since I was busy with my shoots and her baby was also too young so she would be occupied. But during the lockdown we have started sharing messages and talking on video calls. After marriage she shifted to Powai just 700-800 metres away from my house. Her husband and brother's names are Mayur and my husband's name is also Mayur. Her brother's birthday is on August 26th and my daughter's birthday is also on the same date. Her daughter Stuti and I share the same birthday November 27. I told Disha we have some karmic connection, we shared vanity vans for 5 years and now these similarities. (Photo: Instagram)

She is the most cooperative artist and there's lots to learn from her. The way she respected and loved everyone throughout her Taarak Mehta.... journey. We shared the same room so if I entered and she was getting her makeup done, she would immediately get up and offer the seat to me saying 'you sit get your makeup done'. I will do my own makeup. If there was a break she would give the bed to me to rest. During lunch also she and I both would get something for each other. (Photo: Instagram)

I miss her a lot and even fans miss her a lot. But because I was in her shoes a few years ago I can totally relate to her situation. I understand right now for her, Stuti her daughter is of priority. I am sure she will be back soon. The good thing is we are in touch and whenever we miss each other we talk over the phone. We have to understand family is also important. She wanted to get married and start a family and when finally the moment has arrived we shouldn't disturb her. She's just enjoying her family life and we should let her be like that. (Photo: Instagram)

Whatever we are today is because of the fans. There have been numerous moments, the one that I distinctly remember is the one when I was on break due to my pregnancy and my daughter was just two months old. There was this elderly couple who were 75-80 year old, they met me at a mall close to my house. They literally came and touched my feet and with folded hands they requested me to come back on the show. I asked them not to do this and I told them once my daughter grows up I will return to the show. That time I realised what was the impact of our show and it was a very special moment. Then around two months later when my daughter was four months old, I met a lady who started shouting at me for quitting the show. She was threatening me how dare I quit the show and I was shocked. I tried to explain to her that my daughter is young and she needs me but she was not ready to listen. I realised that the show has given us so much love. (Photo: Instagram)

I was a complete housewife and a homemaker before Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. I used to play small roles as I was part of a theatre group of Nadira Babbar and would do a few plays. I had never done any full time work before it and I had never taken myself very seriously. So, when I took up the show it was like going to work, coming back home after shooting and having fun. I never took things seriously. I did it as time pass. I remember the show started in July and I went to Jammu for a vacation in November at that time people started recognising me there as Roshan. Then I realised that people have started taking the show and us seriously slowly the fan following increased. Then there was a time when I was facing issues in managing the house and work but I have a very supportive husband. Slowly, I started managing things and I balanced work and personal life. So, my transition from a housewife to a working woman has been smooth and superb. (Photo: Instagram)

I feel the show is based on every day life which every person can relate to. From a child to a grownup adult can relate to it. The comedy is subtle at the same time it also deals with serious issues and it caters to all age groups. The show is watched by families. We also got to know that people have watched Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah during this break. (Photo: Instagram)