Tarak Mehta, noted Gujarati humorist, playwright and author of the original story of the popular Hindi television series, Tarak Mehta ka Oolta Chashma, passed away in Ahmedabad on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.

Padma Shree awardee (2015), Mehta, was 88 and is survived by his wife Indu and a daughter. The family has decided - as wished by Mehta before his death - to donate the body to a medical college in Ahmedabad.

Mehta's column in a Gujarati weekly earned him respect and a large following from across age groups. For about 40 years, Mehta wrote profoundly on contemporary issues concerning all in society, with flavours of humour and satire in it. Mehta received several awards and accolades.

In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the demise of Mehta. Paying his respect to the writer in Hindi tweets, the Prime Minister wrote, "In his lifetime, he never parted off with satire and his pen..." "I was fortunate to be able to meet Tarak Mehtaji several times..." "In the writings of Tarak Mehtaji, we get a glance of India's unity in diversity. Many characters, including Tappu, still delve in the heart of the people."

Rising above party lines, Gujarat's political leaders also paid tribute to the noted author. Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil paid his last respects to Mehta by visiting his residence, while Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani paid his tribute through a tweet. "Saddened by the death of Tarak Mehta - humorist & columnist. He always brought smile to our faces..." Rupani wrote on the micro-blogging site.

Tributes poured in from the Hindi television industry, besides fans of Tarak Mehta's writings and admirers of Gujarati literature, who grieved the loss of one of the finest authors of current times.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW