15 years of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: List of actors who are no longer a part of the show

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is all set to complete 15 years of running on television. The show has seen many entries and exits as well. Many names got popular during their run in the show but had to make an exit owing to personal reasons or professional grievances. A look at some of the popular names, who quit the show mid way after spending quite many years.

Priya Ahuja Rajda has been popular playing the role of Rita Reporter but in a shocking development, she got replaced without her knowledge. ETimes TV exclusively reported as Priya revealed that despite leaving several messages to the makers about her role, she got no response and later realised she got replaced without any notice. For the unversed, Priya’s husband Malav Rajda was one of the directors of the show and he had quit the show sometime back. Priya had been a part of the show for 14 years.

Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal accused producer Asit Kumarr Modi of sexual abuse and mental harassment during the course of her stay. Jennifer made some explosive revelations about how she was treated. She had also filed an FIR against Asit Modi too. Jennifer had been a part of from 2008-2013 and 2016-2023.

Shailesh Lodha, widely known for his portrayal of Taarak Mehta, bid farewell to the show last year, leaving numerous fans disheartened. Although he has chosen to maintain silence regarding his exit, a source revealed to ETimes TV that Shailesh wanted to venture into new opportunities, which became difficult due to contractual exclusivity. Also, he felt that his availability dates were not being utilised efficiently.

Rumours had initially surfaced indicating Raj Anadkat quitting the show and he finally quit in 2022. He was known for portraying the role of Tapu, Jethalal’s (Dilip Joshi) son. He had initial discussions with the production house about his decision, but they managed to convince him to stay. But he ultimately left the show. Raj has something coming up and his personal vlog, music videos, and other engagements have been keeping him busy.

Neha Mehta portrayed the role of Anjali, reel wife of Shailesh Lodha's character, on the show. Although she chose to keep her reasons for leaving discreet, she opened up in an exclusive interview with BT, stating, "I acted in Taarak Mehta as Anjali for 12 years before quitting in 2020. The last six months' money is pending. After I quit the show, I called them a few times regarding my pending dues. I don't like complaining... Hopefully, there will be a solution soon and I will get my hard-earned money."

Similar to some of the cast members, Monika Bhadoriya, known for her role as Bawri - Baga's love interest, opted not to disclose the reasons behind her exit from the show. Her absence from the sitcom raised questions, but had remained tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding her departure. But when Jennifer opened up about the mental torture she went through, Monika too opened up with ETimes TV about the torture she had been through during her stay. She also complained about her dues not being cleared. Monika was a part of the show from 2013–2019.

Disha Vakani took a maternity leave in 2017, but, she never made a return to the show. The actress, famous for her portrayal of Dayaben, also welcomed her second child last year. Despite the makers patiently waiting for her comeback, and several announcements of her return creating a buzz, no one has been confirmed for the part.

Nidhi, who portrayed the character of Sonu in Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, decided to bid farewell to the sitcom to prioritise her studies. Having joined the show in 2012, she dedicated six years to essaying the role. Before her, the character was portrayed by Jheel Mehta, who also left the show to focus on her studies. Currently, Nidhi is engrossed in creating travel vlogs. The role of Sonu is now played by Palak Sindhwani.

Gurucharan, who was loved for his portrayal of Sodhi on the show, decided to depart around the same time as Neha Mehta. During an exclusive conversation with ETimes TV, the actor chose not to delve into any conflicts with the makers but rather candidly shared his reasons for parting ways with the show. He said, "My Dad had undergone a surgery around the time I quit the show. There were a few other things I had to address and life went on. There were a few other reasons I quit but don't want to talk about that."