Exclusive - Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's Sharad Sankla on the popularity of his role Abdul; says 'Ek Hindu, ek Musalman ka role kar raha hai, aur log mujhe itna pyaar dete hain'

Sharad Sankla is a seasoned actor best known for his iconic role as Abdul in the popular TV show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Over the years, his portrayal of the character has earned him immense love and recognition. In a recent exclusive chat with ETimes TV, the veteran actor shared how, despite being a Hindu, he has been warmly embraced in the role of Abdul, a Muslim man. He also mentioned the close bond he shares with his co-stars, particularly with Dilip Joshi, with whom he has worked for more than a decade. His journey in the entertainment industry spans 20-25 years, during which he has become a beloved figure both on and off the screen. (Photo: Instagram)

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is now not just a show, it has become a part of the audience's life. We are like their family members and we would want people to continue loving us like always. We need their blessings. We are giving our best everyday to make sure to entertain the audience. (Photo: Instagram)

I've seen my life change after playing the role of Abdul. Mera naam hai Sharad Sankla, I belong to Rajasthan. Ek Hindu, Ek Musalman ka character kar raha hai, Aur joh audience hai unko nahi pata Mera naam Sharad Sankla hai, Woh Mujhe Musalman bhai he samajhte hain aur apnapan dete hain (My name is Sharad Sankla, and I come from Rajasthan. I'm a Hindu, but I'm portraying a Muslim character, and the audience doesn't know that my real name is Sharad Sankla. They see me as a Muslim brother...) Wherever I go, in any part of the city or country, people recognize me as Abdul. (Photo: Instagram)

I feel extremely proud that I’ve been able to convincingly play the character of a Muslim man despite being a Hindu. Mujhe bahut accha feel hota hai ke main Hindu hoon but Musalman play karta hoon aur log mujhe pasand karte aaye hain. Hum isko Ekta ke naazar se dekhte hain… (It makes me feel really good that, although I am a Hindu, I portray a Muslim character, and people have always appreciated me for it. We see this as a symbol of unity…) I feel extremely happy that I’ve been given such an amazing character to play, and that I’ve been able to make a name for myself through this role. (Photo: Instagram)

Yes, there have been many interesting moments. Whenever we visit places and meet viewers of the show, they often ask me, 'What's happening in Gokuldham society?' or 'Did Jethalal come to drink soda today?' They are so curious and don't realize that it's just a show. Even I forget sometimes and think, 'Oh wait, I'm Sharad, not Abdul' (laughs). Often, viewers request me, 'Can you please make soda for me, with your own hands, Abdul Bhai?' (Photo: Instagram)

It feels amazing that they show me so much love and remember me as Abdul. Whenever I go to attend any event people mob us or gather to see us. It really surprises me so many times, ke Humne aisa kya kiya hai life mein to get so much love from the audience. This is like a dream. (Photo: Instagram)

We spend nearly 12 hours every day together on the sets. TMKOC team, we all become a huge family now; we're no longer just co-stars. Whether it's Nattu Kaka or Kavi Kumar Azad bhai, they are like family to us. Though they are no longer with us, they are still very much a part of our family, and we always miss them. (Photo: Instagram)

Even people who have quit the show, like Gurucharan, Shailesh Lodha we miss them. We are family aur family mein Choti Moti cheezein hoti rehti hai. I had once told our producer Asit Kumar Modi ji that Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is a bigger star than anyone of us. Kitne bhi star aaye, Yaa chale gaye Woh matter nahi karta, this show is bigger than anyone of us. (Photo: Instagram)

Dilip Joshi is my neighbor. We both belong to Vile Parle. We've been working together since 1996. We first worked together in a show called Kabhi Ye Kabhi Woh, where he played a small role. In fact, Asit Kumarr Modi was the executive producer of that show; at that time, he hadn't started his own production house yet. Later, he created Hum Sab Ek Hain, where once again, Dilip Joshi bhai and I worked together. (Photo: Instagram)

We've known each other for 20-25 years now, and we're both the same age, bus 20-25 din ka farak hoga. I'm 60, and so is Dilip. On the sets, we maintain a professional relationship, but whenever we meet outside, we're like friends. We share a very good bond with each other. I have a great relationship with Dilip bhai. (Photo: Instagram)