Dilip Joshi aka Jethalal from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: I never dreamt I would play a character conceived by Taarak Mehta

He has done several serials and films, but it is as Jethalal Gada of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah that Dilip Joshi has garnered highest appreciation and fame. Known for his impeccable comic timing, the talented actor has also directed and acted in several Gujarati plays. But since the last nine years, Dilip has been raising laughs as Jethalal and has no time for anything else. But he is not complaining. “I used to read Taarak Mehta’s columns as a child and never dreamt I would be playing a character conceived by him. Till date, I am enjoying it,” he enthuses. In a freewheeling interview, the actor talks about the secret behind the serial’s popularity, the humour and more...

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been one of the top shows since 2008. What’s the reason for its popularity?

I guess, it’s because the characters in the serial are relatable. The society that the characters live in represents mini India; it is the kind of place we live in. It is cosmopolitan with a person from every religion and language residing in it. We celebrate all the festivals, but we don’t try to preach anything. We convey a social message with a dash of humour. Also, the way Taarakbhai has conceived the characters itself, they are a hit. At the time when the show began, saas-bahu sagas were going on, there were no such comedies on TV. This serial with its positivity connected with the people. Also, we have short stories of five-six episodes and maximum 12 episodes. People need not necessarily follow it, they can tune in whenever they want and enjoy. That is also a plus point.

Playing the same character for so many years, didn’t you ever feel fatigued?

The fatigue factor would have set in if this had been a daily soap. But this is a fun thing, and we laugh a lot. That is the reason we have survived. Agar rona dhona hota to mar gaye hote! These stories are different. Every day there is something new. Nobody has any ego problem, there are no quarrels on the set. The credit goes to producer Asit Kumarr Modi. It doesn’t seem like we are working, and that makes a difference.

Do you identify with the sense of humour that is shown in the serial?

I have done Gujarati theatre for 20-25 years; in fact, I started with that. I have mostly acted in and directed comedy plays. That was kind of net practice and all that experience helped me in this show. No doubt, for TV you have to go a little overboard. Personally, I like to be subtle, and try and incorporate that. I make it loud only when it is needed. I believe one’s eyes speak a lot whether you are sad or angry. Even the comic timing is in the eye and you can make people laugh.

The serial is set in a Gujarati family, but its popularity has cut across regions...

Yes, it’s being seen as a phenomenal case study. This is a serial that has appealed to the whole of India. Not only that, it has clicked across classes, masses, and ages. A three-year-old enjoys it and so does an 80-90 year old. People from every strata of the society are loving it. But, yes, since there is a Gujarati backdrop and many stories are woven around Jethalal’s family, Gujaratis connect more.

Despite the medium being women-centric, your character has stood out in the serial. How did you manage that?

As an actor and the character, I tried to balance his relationship with everyone in the serial. Jethalal is a good son, father — he behaves well with his office staff, too. Then there’s Babita (Moonmoon Dutta) whom he likes, but I made it a point to not make it vulgar and gave that gravitas to it. There is a thin line and it’s easy to slip into vulgarity. I have been vigilant about it. Even when we are rehearsing, I correct the actress’ expressions. Because of my theatre experience, I can express it subtly and not make him a pervert. It’s the human tendency of how a male behaves whenever he sees a beautiful girl is what we want to portray. We have always checked that we don’t go overboard. That is why there is a cuteness about it.

Ever since the serial started, you haven’t done any theatre. Do you miss it?

Right now, God has given me this fantastic opportunity, baajuwali ke thali mein kyun dekhoon? Moreover, in this serial, I get to do everything — I even got a chance to sing and dance. I enjoy doing comedy, so I cannot complain. So many actors would love to be in my place. Of course, I do miss theatre, but we shoot 12 hours a day and it is difficult to take time out.

Now that your co-star Disha Vakani is on a break due to her pregnancy, your track has also reduced. Are you upset about it?

No, I am taking it positively. Thanks to Dishaji, I am getting a little bit of a breather. It’s good for the audience, too, as they get a little change with other tracks taking over.

You are a Gujarati, tell us one thing that personifies a Gujarati...

Well, we just love to have fun. We don’t have any hassles. Jiyo aur jeene do is our basic philosophy. We are foodies and we love to travel. My favourite holiday destination is London and as for food, I have a sweet tooth and that shows... I love churma na laddoo.