After actor Kavi Azad’s untimely demise, Nirmal Soni, who played the role for a few episodes, steps in as his replacement
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 15, 2018)

Two months after actor Kavi Azad, who played Dr Hansraj Hathi in the longrunning comedy show, Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashmah, passed away, Nirmal Soni has been brought on board as his replacement for the popular character. Nirmal was the original Dr Hathi and was replaced by Kavi after a few episodes because of date problems.

A source from the show reveals, “The team had shortlisted two other actors too but they were not very convincing on camera and Nirmal was finalised a few days ago. The new Dr Hathi will be revealed in the Monday episode as Nirmal and his onscreen wife, Ambika Ranjankar, perform the first Ganesh aarti in the show this year.”

While Nirmal remained unavailable for comment, producer Asit Kumarr Modi confirmed the news, saying, “Yes Dr Hathi is making a comeback in the Ganesh special episodes.”

The show, which premiered on July 28, 2008, completed a decade of being on air this year.