Raj Anadkat will step into Bhavya Gandhi’s shoes
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 3, 2017)

Mirror (February 28) had earlier reported that Bhavya Gandhi, popularly known as Tipendra Jethalal Gada aka Tapu from the comedy series Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has quit the show. After eight years, the young actor wants to do something new and challenging. Mirror has now learnt that the makers have zeroed in on 19-yearold Mumbai-based Raj Anadkat to play the teenager.

“We had been auditioning for sometime now while simultaneously trying to convince Bhavya to stay on. But he was adamant he wanted to quit. We have now signed Raj who is a good-looking, talented boy,” informs Asit Kumarr Modi, who is the creator of the show.

Asit admits he was upset by Bhavya’s decision to drop out after he went against public opinion to cast him. “Sometimes people start thinking they’re bigger than the show. He went ahead and did a Gujarati film without informing us,” grouses Asit who will start shooting with Raj from today.

Raj is currently pursing a Bachelor of Mass Media degree in a suburban college. He will be introduced on Tapu’s birthday. The episode will air next week. “I plan to focus on Tapu Sena’s college track in the upcoming episodes,” says Asit, who had been spending time with Raj discussing his character and the story.