Ghanshyam Nayak (77), best known as Natu Kaka from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, passed away on Sunday after a prolonged battle with cancer. The team members of Taarak Mehta... have been very upset after hearing the news. We spoke to Tanmay Vekaraia, who plays Natu Kaka’s nephew Bagha on the show and shared maximum screen time with the veteran actor. Tanmay, who joined the show in 2010, said, “Ghanshyam bhai has seen me working as a child actor. I was a kid when he used to work in plays.”

Tanmay says, “When I got the opportunity to work with him in Taarak..., I was very happy; it revived our old association. We used to share the same make-up room, have lunch and snacks together and travel to work and back home together every day. He was very dear to me and a special person in my life. For two hours after I heard the news of his demise, I was just recalling the entire series of meetings, good moments and the time I shared working with him since my childhood.”

Talking about his dear Natukaka, he added, “He was a very easy-going and simple individual. A talented actor, I remember his struggles. Though he worked in several plays, films and TV shows, he got his much-deserved fame and recognition only after he crossed 60 years of age. Life had been tough for him and I respect the way he lived his life. I knew him for more than two decades and I loved the innocence with which he delivered his dialogues. He will continue to live in my memories forever.”

Producer Asit Kumarr Modi said, “Ghanshyam bhai was not only connected with me because of Taarak..., I have known him for more than two decades because he has acted in many of my TV shows, earlier, too. Unfortunately, the past one year was difficult for me to get him back on the sets because of his illness but I invited him to Daman when we moved there. He shot for an episode and was happy spending time with the entire unit. Taarak... has lost a very important and talented actor and I would say Gujarati theatre and television values his contribution. He would always say he wanted to work till the last day of his life.”

Incidentally, in an interview to BT a few months ago, while talking about his love for his craft, Natukaka had said that he wanted to work till the last day of his life.

Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; September 6, 2020)

Senior actor Ghanshyam Nayak aka Nattu Kaka of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has been keeping unwell and will not be seen on the show for some time. Nayak did not resume shooting for the show after the Coronavirus lockdown due to the guidelines issued by Maharashtra Government barring actors above 65 years of age from visiting sets. After the Bombay High Court quashed the guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Government, Nayak was hoping to get back to work. But, that will have to wait for a while now. The actor recently developed a lump in his neck and will undergo surgery for it tomorrow.

A source close to the production house informed us, “A few days ago, Ghanshyam sir was detected with a lump in his neck, and the doctor advised surgery.”

Nayak has been associated with the show for over a decade, and hopes to return to the shoot soon. The source added, “The production house has extended their support to the senior actor, but it will be some time before he returns to the show.” 

As Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah turns 10, five of its most loved characters meet mid-day for a nostalgic look back
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; July 31, 2018)

As we set foot in Film City, it's easy to recognise the residential complex, with its bright yellow and blue hues. After all, almost each one of us has been witness to the laughter and learnings, the friendships and fights that have unfolded in Gokuldham Society over the past decade. The set is bathed in lights to commemorate the special occasion. As Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah celebrates its 10th anniversary, we catch up with Dilip Joshi, Mandar Chandwadkar, Shyam Pathak, Tanmay Vekaria and Ghanshyam Nayak for a chat.

Vividly remembering his first day of shoot, Joshi, who plays protagonist Jethaalal Gada, says he had little idea the show would become historic. "My first shot had my character being kidnapped by some comic goons. It has been a smooth sail since then."

Vekaria recollects how he would do bit roles on the show, before the writers etched out the part of Bagha for him. "I've done several roles — from a cop to a taxi driver to a school teacher [before playing Bagha]," he says.

Chandwadkar aka Bhide thinks it is the breezy equation shared by co-stars that helps the show deliver a laugh a minute. Stating that they sometimes incorporate their off-screen antics into the show, he says, "Amit [Bhatt] is hilarious, which is quite at odds with his character [Champakklal]. If someone were to record his antics, it would make for amazing viral content." Nayak, who plays Nattu Kaka, points out that he often ends up being the butt of their jokes. "But I don't mind," he says good-naturedly.

From the affable Dayaben to the eternal bachelor Popatlal Pandey, the distinct characters - each with their quirks - are so deeply entrenched into the public consciousness that it is difficult to imagine anyone else play them. However, Chandwadkar says he would love to step into Tanuj Mahashabde [Iyer]'s shoes. "Bhide is perfect. But from an actor's point of view, I would say Iyer's role has an interesting graph."

In an industry where makers have to resort to generation leaps to keep the audience engaged, the situational comedy has found a loyal fan base without resorting to antics.

Vekaria feels the social commentary on the struggles of the middle-class society resonates with viewers. "Taarak Mehta has discussed so many topics, including education, health policies, old age homes, and so on. No other show does that."

Nayak recalls how a fan, who was battling depression, had the show to thank for his change in attitude. "I know of a viewer who was contemplating suicide. But an episode made him see things in new light."

Joshi credits the team of writers for the show's long-standing success. "Our USP is that we churn out relatable content day in and day out, and still bring on the laughs. Comedy is a difficult genre. When we do our reading, if a particular joke feels forced, we don't let it go. We all brainstorm and improvise on it."

But he is quick to add that the team should now consider following the seasonal format that is popular in the West. "That way, writers will get some relief and the creative output will be better."

Over the years, the sitcom has seen many celebrities - from Shah Rukh Khan to Salman Khan, to Hrithik Roshan - make special appearances. "But the thrill of sharing screen space with [Amitabh] Bachchan sir was beyond words," says Nayak.

Admitting to being a fan of Bachchan, Joshi adds, "When I'd watch him on screen, I didn't imagine I'd share screen space with him someday. This show gave me that opportunity."

Bachchan's compliment to Vekaria during the shoot, is one he holds dear. "The scene required me to mouth Bachchan sir's dialogue, 'I can talk English, walk English'. After we canned the shot, he said, 'Bhai, tum meri jagah aa jao, main tumhari jagah aata hoon'. It was a mind-blowing moment."

One last question:

Your favourite section in Gokuldham Society?
Dilip Joshi: It has to be Jethaalal's balcony. It gives you a complete view of the society.

One character you would like to swap your role with?
Shyam Pathak: I'd love to play Champakklal [Jethaalal's father played by Amit Bhatt].

Your favourite couple from the show?
Ghanshyam Nayak: Bhide and Madhavi [played by Mandar Chandwadkar and Sonalika Joshi]. In fact, I often tell Madhavi, 'You're so beautiful. You look good in anything you wear. Kudrat ne tumhe bahut fursat se banaya hai.'


Tanmay Vekaria aka Bagha


Mandar Chandwakar who plays the role of Atmaram Tukaram Bhide


Shayam Pathak aka Popatlal Pandey


Ghanshyam Nayak aka Nattu Kaka