Popular Gujarati humorist Taarak Mehta died here aged 88 on Wednesday after a prolonged illness, his family said.
A string of politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condoled his demise and expressed gratitude towards him for bringing a smile to their face with his works.
“He died of old age,” Atul Bhatt, a relative of the writer, said.
Mehta was born in December 26, 1929. The Padma Shri awardee’s popular works include “Duniya Ne Undha Chasma”, which inspired the hit Hindi sitcom “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah”.
For the people of Gujarat, his literary work always generated a good dose of laughter.
Modi recounted how Mehta “never left the side of satire and pen”.
Reminiscing about one of his meetings with Mehta, Modi said: “I have had the privilege of meeting Mehta several times. I also got a chance to meet him when he was honoured with Padma Shri. His work reflects unity in diversity in India.”
Actress Richa Chadha thanked Mehta for the humour.
