Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah‘s Aatmaram Bhide has been one of the most iconic characters on the show. In a recent podcast, Mandar Chandwadkar got candid about how he bagged the role in Taarak Mehta, he shared that his former co-star, who then plays his wife Madhavi aka Sonalika Joshi, suggested his name for the role.
Talking about helping the new Sonu aka Khushi Mali
When Khushi recently joined the show, Sonalika and I made sure that we helped her with the character. We often guide her on how Sonu would react in the show and help her develop the character together.
Mandar reveals that Sonalika had suggested his name for Bhide
Yes, in fact Sonalika had only suggested my name for Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. When she had auditioned for the show, she was told that they were searching for a Marathi actor for her husband’s role. She had suggested 2-3 names and one of them was me. I am thankful to those actors who refused the role, and luckily, I got it. The rest is history.
On the fans’ love
We are not like other celebrities, but we receive a lot of love. I have come across fans who have asked me, ‘aap humein kaise nahi jaante, hum toh aapko roz dekhte hai.’ That is innocent love and we are really grateful for it.
His family’s support towards his career
My family has been extremely supportive, since the day I decided to enter the acting field, they have always been supportive. My wife has been a strong pillar of support, being in the same industry, she looked after our son and managed our home, keeping her career aside. All of this has been possible because of my family and their support.
Mandar on never thinking about quitting Taarak
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.
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