Ahmedabad, March 1, 2017: Following a prolonged illness, Eminent playwright and humorist and Taarak Mehta, widely known for his Gujarati column "Duniya Ne Undha Chasma", breathed his last today at the age of 87.
According to family sources, "the writer died at 87 after a prolonged illness due to age-related problems at his residence in the city."
The writer's family has made the decision to donate his body to be used in medical research purposes.
Mehta's famous columns were first published in Gujarati weekly magazine 'Chitralekha' in 1971. His columns were adapted into a popular TV serial, "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma" in 2008 which made him a household name all across the country.
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Through Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tributes to the writer in a series of tweets.
According to PTI reports, Modi tweeted, "Taarak Mehta's writings always reflected India's unity in diversity. His characters like Tappu live in people's hearts." The PM also said Mehta was a man who "never left the company of his pen and satire", Along with a photo taken with Mehta.
"Tributes to famous playwright and humourist Taarak Mehta.He spent a lifetime dedicated to satire and pen.I have had the good fortune of meeting Taarak Mehta. I had also met him when he was honoured with the Padma Shri award," he added.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also expressed his condolences following the writer's demise. In his tweets he said, "Gujarati writer and Padma Shree (sic) Tarak Mehta ji passes aways. May his soul rest in peace."
"Tarak Mehtaji will always be remembered for his rich contribution to society and the laughter he gave to millions," in a tweet, BJP President Amit Shah stated, expressing grief over Mehta's death.
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In the memory of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Mehta is the person "who always brought smile to our faces." He tweeted, "Saddened by the death of Tarak Mehta – humorist and columnist. He always brought smile to our faces.My condolences to family members."
In his visit to Mehta's residence to pay homage, the Senior state Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil said, "The beauty of the writings of Tarak Mehta was that it had nothing against anyone, nothing vulgar and not even a bad word, but it made us all laugh. The loss is very grave."
Mehta has authored numerous comedy plays and books. A number of columns in newspapers on contemporary issues have been penned by him as well.
Actor Jitendra Thakkar, who has acted in many plays written by Mehta, said, "His writing was a class apart. His writings did not have any vulgarity, but made generations laugh till pain in our stomaches."
Several film and television actors have mourned his demise.
"Extremely saddened by the passing away of Shri Tarak Mehta… a great humorist in any language! RIP Mehta Saheb," Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal tweeted.
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Actress Richa Chaddha stated, "Rip Tarak Mehta. Thank you for the humour. You shall be missed."
According to Munmun Dutta, who plays the character of Babitaji in "Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashma", the writer was full of life despite poor health: "Saddened by the news of #TaarakMehta sir passing away.Last time when I met him, I could see his health failing him.He was still spirited… and full of life… My respect to him."
– prepared by Durba Mandal of NewsGram. Twitter: @dubumerang