Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been the go-to comfort show for Indian families since 2008. Known for its clean humor, memorable characters, and relatable stories, the show has built an emotional connection with viewers across generations. And one face who has consistently delivered the laughs is Tanmay Vekaria, better known as Bagha, Gada Electronics’ loyal employee with a love for Jethalal, and a talent for turning chaos into comedy.
In an exclusive chat with Subhojit Ghosh, Tanmay addressed a sentiment that’s been doing the rounds among fans: are the new episodes as funny and engaging as the old ones? His answer was simple, heartfelt, and a little surprising.
“If You’re Emotionally Invested, Every Episode Feels Special”
When asked about viewers who say the older episodes of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah were funnier, Tanmay respectfully disagreed. According to him, a viewer’s connection with a show is what truly matters.
“If I am attached to every character, every story, every episode, then as an audience, I will watch it with the same feeling,” he explained, adding that nostalgia often colors how we perceive older content.
He believes the emotional investment of long-time fans plays a huge role in how the content is received. While viewers may yearn for the past, he says, the soul of the show hasn’t changed, it has simply evolved.
Tanmay didn’t shy away from acknowledging that change is inevitable. With Tappu Sena growing up and several cast changes over the years, the show naturally reflects the shift in storytelling styles and viewer preferences.
“Yes, definitely, the generation has changed now. So maybe people feel the older ones were better or that the current ones are not as good, or that there used to be more laughter earlier,” he admitted.
But personally he doesn’t think the newer episodes are lacking. They simply cater to a slightly different audience and era.
“Some Gags Work, Some Don’t And That’s Okay”
Touching on the creative side of the show, Tanmay gave a peek into the behind-the-scenes reality of making people laugh week after week.
“Sometimes there is a gag we feel will work, but it does not and that is fine,” he shared candidly. The key, according to him, is consistency and effort, and most importantly, the intent to make people smile.
One of the most heartwarming things Tanmay pointed out is that despite the ups and downs, the fans’ love for Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah remains as strong as ever.
“What matters is that the love people have for the show even today is the same as it was seventeen or eighteen years ago,” he emphasized.
He sees the show not just as a professional gig, but a shared journey with the audience, one that spans almost two decades and continues to bring families together in front of their TV screens.
