Mandar Chandwadkar, the Indian television and theatre actor, best known for playing Aatmaram Tukaram Bhide in the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC). His character, Bhide, is the secretary of Gokuldham Society and a tuition teacher, often seen as a strict yet humorous person. In a recent podcast with Subhojit Ghosh, Mandar gets candid about the current track, co-stars and more.
Thanks to social media, I really want that there needs to be a law or some examination that would determine who can be on social media. Such rumours are only spread by these channels to garner views. It is all about the financial gain that they have with more subscribers and viewers on their handle. Due to such fake news, numerous times my family members have asked me why I have decided to quit the show. But that's not true.
The main reason why I never left Taarak Mehta is job satisfaction. Even after 17 years, I have enjoyed myself on the set. I don't find my character or my job monotonous. On the contrary, all of us in the cast of the show have become a strong family that has no ego clashes. Instead, we offer better scenes to each other. I get to experience amazing humour on a daily basis. We get to work with stalwarts on our show. Humare show ko blessings mile hai, appreciation se zyada. In 17 years, despite ups and downs, we have been consistent and positive.
Bhide is a very principled guy, he knows that Jethalal is beshisht, he doesn't want a son-in-law like him. Though Jethalal is a nice man, but for Bhide, Tapu's impression is that he doesn't follow rules, he is extremely mischievous, so for Sonu, he wouldn't want someone like Tapu. He wasn't the best for Sonu.
With such dedication and daily routine, actors don't get to take more holidays. So yes, still we manage to take short breaks whenever possible. If you see, in Taarak Mehta, all characters are important. It is like Sholay, the show is on everyone's shoulders. Abdul is equally important as Jethalal. Fans enjoy it only when the whole cast is together.
Recently, Chachaji went to Pakistan flying with the balloons, it was unimaginable, but viewers enjoyed the track. Earlier, Jethalal had reached Pakistan while riding a camel. Unki khaandani parampara hai, woh seedhe kahin jaate hi nahi hai.