Exclusive - Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's Monaz Mevawalla aka Mrs Roshan Singh Sodhi on joining the show amidst controversy: Was willing to take the risk

Monaz Mevawalla recently became a part of the famous Indian sitcom 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,' taking on the character of Mrs. Roshan Singh Sodhi. She entered the show after Jennifer Mistry Bansiwala's quit the show in April last year due to a disagreement with the producers. This move marks Monaz's return to television after a brief hiatus, and she's thoroughly relishing her role. In an exclusive interview with ETimes TV, Monaz delved into her experience joining 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' amidst some controversy, her take on stepping into Jennifer's shoes and if she faced pressure to replace Jennifer. Monaz also had high praise for Dilip Joshi as a co-star. Fans are loving Monaz on thee show(Photo: Instagram)

When the offer came to me I was very excited and I wanted to do the role. Then I auditioned for the role and the look test happened, I did the mock shoot and went through the entire process before I was signed up for the show. During this entire process, I learnt a lot about the character. My excitement to play the role actually grew and I was very sure I wanted to do this role. (Photo: Instagram)

When I accepted the role and the show it was not just because it was a big show that had a legacy. For me, the role also had to be good. It was a whole package and overall the whole package was nice. It was very close to my personality and of course the show had finished 16 years ago. It’s a big thing and even young kids watch the show. I was never in two minds. (Photo: Instagram)

There have been rumors circulating about Gurucharan Singh potentially orchestrating his own disappearance. In light of this, his father Hargit Singh has expressed deep distress about his son being missing for two weeks. He spoke to Bombay Times, sharing the emotional turmoil the family is going through and their eagerness to receive updates from authorities regarding Gurucharan's whereabouts. Hargit shared, “Our entire family is deeply troubled by this shocking incident. We don’t know how to cope and are anxiously waiting for some positive news from the police. All we can do is hope for his safe return.”

The best part about Dilip Joshi is he knows each and every character of the show. He has inputs for everyone and they are so good and funny. He builds everyone’s character. He is not just focused about his own character but others also. He improvises for others also. He has an all encompassing aura. He’s very funny, witty and a very good person. (Photo: Instagram)

I never thought about the comparisons and neither was I nervous. I actually never thought that people would compare me with the previous actor. I just got my flavour on the show. What she used to do and what I do are completely different. Of course, we both play Roshan. It is different from the way I’m portraying Roshan. I was never nervous. I knew there would be comparisons but I never had any anxiety, nervousness, or anticipation due to it. My focus and concentration was on how I can make this character look better, funnier or what I could add. (Photo: Instagram)

There was pressure on me and I feel pressure is good. If it’s not there you become complacent. Then you start behaving as if you know everything. I’m still learning and I will keep learning. There was pressure but not of comparison but of the responsibility that I was given by the makers. That I had to do this and I had to give my 100 percent. (Photo: Instagram)

I get to learn so much from Dilip ji and Mandar. I have worked with both of them in the past. With Mandar, I’d done a play very long ago and with Dilip ji also I’ve worked in the past. When we have scenes together we improvise so much and sometimes it gets so funny and we keep laughing. I’ve worked with Champak Chacha (Amit Bhatt). It’s like I’ve known them for a long time and there’s a familiarity. (Photo: Instagram)

I am really very happy that audiences have accepted me as Roshan. I work everyday on the character and learn something. I’m very thankful to Asit Modi for giving me my comeback. I was waiting for a comeback like this. The feeling of being accepted was amazing. I was in so much gratitude and I was thankful to the universe, God, my producer. (Photo: Instagram)

I had a gut feeling that I had to do the show. Why would I not do the show because someone else is saying something? I want to experience it on my own and then I will make a decision or come up with a judgement. But I was willing to take that risk and I’m willing to do the show. I was excited about it. There was no apprehension because of whatever was being told about the show or the makers. Joh bhi news mein chal raha tha Uske wajah se there were no apprehensions against the show. I just dived into the show. (Photo: Instagram)

Abhi log bol rahe hain, former Roshan (Jennifer Mistry) had a bad experience while working on the show but I am not her. We both have different personalities and why would leave the offer because someone else is saying something. Mujhe karna tha toh kiya. During the process of signing the show, I had so many interactions and meetings with the people on the sets, director, actors and our producer Asit Ji that I got a very comfortable vibe with everyone. (Photo: Instagram)

If you love me I’m in your heart and if you hate me I’m still in your mind. Basically, aap mere baare mein soch toh rahe he ho toh Woh mere liye Ek win-win situation hai… 80 percent of the people still love me. That was consolation and the remaining 20 percent of the people are so used to seeing one particular face with that particular role and then when the actor changes they are not able to accept it. It doesn’t matter to them who has replaced the actor and how brilliant the other person is. It is difficult for them to accept. (Photo: Instagram)

Luckily 80 percent of the audience likes me and the remaining 20 percent don’t like me. But I accept their constructive criticisms and I incorporate them in my work. But the people who troll me, write nasty things or spread negativity or hate, I don’t get affected by them. My focus is on my work and I believe in giving my 100 percent as it’s not possible to make everyone love me. I am not a potato. I can’t please everyone. ((Photo: Instagram)