When Dilip Joshi rejected Comedy Circus because of ‘below the belt jokes’ and then Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah happened to him

Dilip Joshi’s name needs no introduction. Known as everyone’s favourite Jethalal from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Dilip Joshi started quite young doing plays, films and then finally the sitcom that got him sorted for life. In an interaction with a digital portal, Dilip Joshi recalled the time when he was going through financial struggles despite being a part of popular films, left with no work, how he got married and more:

In 1989, Dilip Joshi got his first film ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’. Recalling that time, he said, “I had a small role in Maine Pyaar Kiya. Main side me baetha rehta tha. Salman Khan got to know I am from theatre background and so he would come and ask me if the scene is good. It was his first project too. Everything was shot with discipline and professionally.

I did Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani but before that I bagged One, Two Ka Four with Shah Rukh Khan. I was told not to get scared. SRK was also from theatre background and he also would rehearse. So we were reading a scene and I improvised. When he liked it, I felt we were in tune. He is very co-operative.

For 5 years, I was a partner with a travel agency. It was during 1985-90. I would be an agent in those line buses. For 5 years I did that job. I quit as it was not my cup of tea. I discussed with my wife about wanting to become an actor. She supported the decision and then I discussed it with my family. My wife said that, ‘We don’t have to become crorepati. We will do with daal-roti.’ Even my father encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Between the period of 1990-94 was very difficult to get work and stable working.

My daughter was born in 1992 and I had Rs 25K in bank balance. Out of that around Rs 13k was used in hospital. I just had a few plays but would get around Rs 450 per play. I got Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and then I thought life is set. But that film was out, became a hit and then I had no work.

In 2007, I was doing a play and that got over and I was in a show and that too got over. For the first time in my life, I was getting no calls for work. I had no work. I had two kids, family, expenses were rising and it was a difficult time. I was established, did good work and kept wondering what else will I do? I knew nothing apart from acting. I was in dire need of money.

During this time, I got Comedy Circus but the jokes were below the belt. They were giving me good money. I wanted to do good work, which my family could watch. So, I rejected the show. Just in a month or so after rejecting that, I got Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. That came as God’s blessing. Lifetime ka mamla set hogaya.

People tell me ‘moochh’ me zyada achhe lagte hai. 24*7 I can’t roam around being Jethalal. I have my own life.

I was 18 and my wife was 14. There was no romance. We had an arranged sagai. Balika Vadhu type kahani. When my wife was 18, we got married. I couldn’t even talk to girl. I was very shy. I gained confidence while doing plays.