It's Shailesh Lodha, who is now one of the most loved TV actors, writers, and poets.
Shailesh worked as a salesman at a pharmacy to earn bread and butter for his family.
ADVERTISEMENT5 / 8 In 2008, producer Asit Kumarr Modi approached Shailesh Lodha and travelled to the Mumbai airport to pitch him the concept of the show.
ADVERTISEMENT7 / 8 Shailesh Lodha later sued the makers over unpaid dues and alleged derogatory behaviour.
He eventually won the legal battle, after which Sachin Shroff took over the role of Taarak Mehta.
Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 21:17 IST
1 / 8 He is one of the most loved actors on television, a poet, and a well-known writer. But his journey to the top wasn't easy. Coming from a humble background, he struggled and worked as a salesman at a pharmacy before quitting the job to pursue his passion.
2 / 8 Still confused who he is? It's Shailesh Lodha, who is now one of the most loved TV actors, writers, and poets. Shailesh worked as a salesman at a pharmacy to earn bread and butter for his family.
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3 / 8 Shailesh was a writer since childhood, and while he was working as a salesman, he was already a famous young poet who was giving autographs to people.
4 / 8 Shailesh Lodha then left his job to pursue poetry full-time. He was an established poet and comedian before joining Asit Kumarr Modi's show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
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5 / 8 In 2008, producer Asit Kumarr Modi approached Shailesh Lodha and travelled to the Mumbai airport to pitch him the concept of the show. Lodha accepted the offer, playing the beloved titular character of Taarak Mehta for 14 years.
6 / 8 For 14 years, Lodha portrayed the titular character of the show and also served as its narrator before making his controversial exit from the longest-running sitcom on Indian television.
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7 / 8 Shailesh Lodha later sued the makers over unpaid dues and alleged derogatory behaviour. He eventually won the legal battle, after which Sachin Shroff took over the role of Taarak Mehta.
