Shailesh Lodha to quit Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah after 14 years? Here’s a look at popular actors who previously left the show

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has made way to the headlines once again. This time it’s because one of its lead actors Shailesh Lodha, who essays the role of ‘Taarak’ in the show has apparently quit it. ETimes TV exclusively learnt that the actor hasn’t been shooting for the show since past one month and doesn’t plan to get back. If the sources are to be believed, Shailesh Lodha isn’t happy with his contract and is now looking forward take up new opportunities, which he had been missing out on because of TMKOC. This isn’t the first time that an actor associated with the show for so long has decided to step out. There have been such instances previously too. While fans await the confirmation on Shailesh Lodha news, here’s a look at actors who have quit Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah:

Bhavya Gandhi became a household name with his role of Tapu in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. He pulled of the role of young Tapu quite perfectly and was loved by fans in the character and otherwise. Tapu, who was earlier portrayed as a notorious kid grew up into a responsible teenager. Bhavya was a part of the show for more than 8 years and literally grew up in front of the audience. After he stepped out, he was replaced by Raj Anadkat.

Disha Vakani, who essayed the role of Jethalal’s (Dilip Joshi) wife Dayaben in the show, was a part of the show since its inception but she hasn’t returned to the show after she took a maternity break. In 2017, the actress took maternity leaves owing the birth of her daughter but never returned. Although, Disha shot for a cameo appearance in the show in 2018 and 2019. Her character in TMOKC is shown to be living with her mother for pilgrimage. Rumours and discussions about her return to the show have spurred up several time but there’s no assurance of the same.

Actress Neha Mehta, who played the role of Anjali Mehta in the show, was associated with it since its inception until she decided to step out due to differences with the production house. The actress was paired opposite Shailesh Lodha. Neha was very much a part of the show till 2020. She was then replaced by Sunayana Fozdar as Anjali.

Gurucharan Singh, who played Mr. Sodhi in Taarak Mehta, was a part of the show for several years but decided to quit owing to his father’s health issues. The actor decided to take care of his father and give time to himself. During the same time, reports of issues between the production house and Gurucharan Singh also did the rounds. However, no confirmation was given on the same. Later, Dil Toh Pagal Hai actor Balvinder Singh Suri replaced him in the show.

Nidhi Bhanushali, who portrayed the role of Sonu Bhide on the show, bid adieu to the sitcom because she wanted to concentrate on her higher studies. She was pursuing BA from a college in Mumbai and devoted her time to her studies, which is why she opted out from the show. Nidhi had joined Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah in 2012 and was a part of it for around 6 years. Earlier, the same role was essayed by Jheel Mehta.

Jheel Mehta aka the young Sonu daughter of Bhide (Mandar Chandwadkar) from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah was earlier played by 9-year-old Jheel Mehta. Her reason to quit the show was same as Nidhi, who replaced her. Balancing both studies and shooting for Taarak was becoming taxing for Jheel hence she decided to leave the show.

Monika Bhadoriya, who became popular after playing the role of Bawri (Baga's girlfriend) in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, quit the show after 6 years of stint. The actress joined the show in 2013 and left in 2019 to explore new things. After she was found missing from the episodes, Monika confirmed the news to TOI and said, “Yes, I have left the show. It's been more than two months since I quit. I will miss the character a lot since I had moulded it my way." Monika had denied the reports of asking for a hike in fee, she had then said, “I have left Taarak on an amicable note.”