From rejecting the role of Jethalal in TMKOC to building a net worth of Rs 40 crore: Lesser-known facts about Ali Asgar

Ali Asgar, who’s best known for his role of ‘Dadi’ in Comedy Nights With Kapil, recently opened up about his personal as well as professional life in a podcast with Maniesh Paul. He has been entertaining the audience for around four decades now. Here’s a look at some lesser-known facts about him that fans need to know:

Long before Ali Asgar became known for his comedy performances, he had established himself as an actor on Indian television through daily soaps. His performances in serials such as Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kutumb were remarkable because he portrayed emotionally charged characters effectively. Playing such roles requires great screen presence and acting ability, which earned him respect as an actor.

Ali Asgar’s acting career started in the late 1980s in Indian television. It was not easy for him to survive and establish himself as an actor for so many years in the ever-changing Indian entertainment industry. Over time, he has adapted to various trends and styles of storytelling, including reality shows.

Ali recently opened up about his children getting bullied at school because of the female characters he played on television. In a podcast with Maniesh Paul, he shared, “I realised at that point that this is all that I am doing. Those watching this might say, ‘Is he mad? Why did he leave it?’ But at that time, Comedy Circus would air on Saturday and Sunday, and in both acts, I would be playing a female character. So I was starting to get that image. For the writers also, it was easy and they would keep writing female characters for me over and over again.”

Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, Ali Asgar has reportedly managed to amass a net worth of approximately Rs 40 crore, owing to the extensive experience he gained working in television, films, and performing arts. He has not become an overnight sensation. On the contrary, he has grown steadily through consistency, which can be seen in his work across soaps, comedy shows, endorsements, and performances.

Ali, who’s loved for his role of ‘Dadi’ in Comedy Nights With Kapil, once shared with Times of India how he initially declined the role. He said, “I had first declined the role, but Kapil convinced me. I was paired with him in another comedy show, in which I would play female characters. So, I was offered more drag. Initially, my son would complain that his friends teased him about my female avatars. Had I been taller, someone would have launched me as an actress.”

Ali Asgar, known for his iconic comic roles, especially on The Kapil Sharma Show, is also one of the actors who reportedly declined the role of Jethalal in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The comedian has won many hearts with his presence on both the big and small screen over the years. Despite stepping back from regular appearances, he remains a well-known figure in the comedy circuit.