When Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's Sharad Sankla aka Abdul spoke about his role; 'Meri audience mujhe Musalman bhai he samajhte hain aur apnapan dete hain'

Sharad Sankla, who is popularly known for playing Abdul in one of Indian television’s longest-running sitcoms, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, spoke in an old interview with Times of India TV about the immense love he receives for his character. The seasoned actor shared how, despite being a Hindu, he has been warmly accepted in the role of Abdul, a Muslim man.

Speaking about how Abdul's role changed his life, Sharad shared, "I've seen my life change after playing the role of Abdul. Mera naam hai Sharad Sankla, I belong to Rajasthan. Ek Hindu, Ek Musalman ka character kar raha hai, Aur joh audience hai unko nahi pata Mera naam Sharad Sankla hai, Woh Mujhe Musalman bhai he samajhte hain aur apnapan dete hain (My name is Sharad Sankla, and I come from Rajasthan. I'm a Hindu, but I'm portraying a Muslim character, and the audience doesn't know that my real name is Sharad Sankla. They see me as a Muslim brother...) Wherever I go, in any part of the city or country, people recognize me as Abdul."

He also opened up about getting the opportunity to portray an amazing character, "I feel extremely proud that I’ve been able to convincingly play the character of a Muslim man despite being a Hindu. Mujhe bahut accha feel hota hai ke main Hindu hoon but Musalman play karta hoon aur log mujhe pasand karte aaye hain. Hum isko Ekta ke naazar se dekhte hain… (It makes me feel really good that, although I am a Hindu, I portray a Muslim character, and people have always appreciated me for it. We see this as a symbol of unity…) I feel extremely happy that I’ve been given such an amazing character to play, and that I’ve been able to make a name for myself through this role."

Sharad portrays the popular character of Abdul, the warm and friendly shopkeeper of the “All In One General Store” in the hit Indian sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC). His shop often serves as a favourite meeting spot for the men of Gokuldham Society.