Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s Jheel Mehta aka former Sonu recalls her father having a heart attack 2019; says ‘I quit everything to help his business’

Jheel Mehta, fondly remembered for her role as Sonu from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, opened up about a life-altering moment in 2019 while speaking to Humans of Bombay. After her father suffered a heart attack, she chose to step away from her pursuits, leaving behind acting and other projects to support her family business. Her journey reflects resilience and love for family.

"While kids were enjoying Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah on TV, I was living it in real life! I was just 10 when my mom’s friend told us about a new show that was coming up—TMKOC. Having acted before, my mom nudged me and said, ‘Auditions dogi vaapis?’ That question changed my life.”

"I went for the audition, where Asit sir asked me to say a few lines. I did, and just like that, I became part of the TMKOC cast. Soon, kids found my character Sonu relatable, and strangers started asking me for photos. From being just a regular kid, I became a household name, and the cast became my family."

"Tapu Sena? Oh, we had so much fun together! During the dahi handi episode, Asit sir asked me if I was ready to break it. I was shocked but determined, thanks to the Sena's support. One special memory? When I missed my school trip on my birthday, the entire team turned the set into a celebration I’ll never forget."

"All good things must come to an end, and in 2012, I decided to quit. People kept asking me why I’d leave such a popular show. But I had my board exams, and I wanted to focus on my studies. It was a tough decision, but one I needed to make for my future."

“I did a few ad shoots and commercials but in 2019, when Papa had a heart attack, I decided to keep everything aside & help Papa with his business. The little girl who once dreamt under studio lights now had a new dream – to become a successful businesswoman. Aur yeh sapna bhi dil se tha, just like acting.

But still, even after 12 years of leaving TMKOC, people remember me as Sonu. A few years back while traveling abroad, an Indian family saw me & screamed, ‘Areh! Humari Sonu yaha kya kar rahi hai?’’ And recently, on my proposal video, along with blessings, people left comments like, ‘Tapu ne toh zeher pee liya hoga!’ I couldn’t stop laughing! It is surprising how sirf ek character play karne se, main pure India ke bachpan ka hissa ban gayi. Isse zyada blessing kya ho sakti hai kisi actor ke liye?”