Noted columnist Taarak Mehta passes away, was inspiration behind SAB TV’s popular show
Taarak Mehta (left) and the show he inspired
Noted Indian columnist Taarak Mehta, renowned for his column ‘Duniya Ne Undha Chashma’, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 87.
The humorist, writer and playwright passed away after a prolonged illness, reported news agency ANI. The writer resided in Ahmedabad and is survived by a daughter from his first marriage.
Mehta, a cult figure in the Gujarati theatre, has adapted several comedies into Gujarati over the years.
He became a household name due to his column ‘Duniya Ne Undha Chashma’, which first appeared in Gujarati weekly magazine ‘Chitralekha’ in 1971.
Mehta’s unconventional outlook and satirical take on everyday life earned him several laurels and a loyal fan following over the years.
His column also inspired popular SAB TV show, ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’, which started in 2008 and to this day remains one of the most watched shows on Indian television.
It also proved that Mehta’s unique style of writing and message could transcend both language and medium.
Mehta has published around 80 books based on his columns for Gujarati Daily ‘Divya Bhaskar’ and was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2015 for his literary contributions.
As soon as the news of his demise broke earlier today, condolences started pouring in from both fans and admirers on social media.
Renowned Indian humorist and playwright Taarak Mehta passes away at the age of 87 years after prolonged illness pic.twitter.com/3BVkWFXFPP
— ANI (@ANI_news) March 1, 2017
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