Tarak Janubhai Mehta didn’t just write humor; he crafted a philosophy of joy. The Gujarati literary giant viewed life through ‘ulťe chashme’—inverted glasses—that exposed follies with affection, not acrimony. His mantra? Humor must be laced with sweetness to resonate deeply and spark change. As we approach his punya tithi on March 1, his timeless appeal shines brighter.
Born in Ahmedabad on December 26, 1929, Mehta’s career spanned journalism, literature, and theater. His signature column ‘Duniya Ne Undha Chashma,’ launched in Chitralekha in March 1971, masterfully skewered daily absurdities—social norms, politics, household squabbles—with effortless charm. Readers laughed heartily, then pondered quietly.
Mehta’s style was uniquely non-confrontational. ‘I invert perspectives for laughter that thinks,’ he explained. This approach birthed over 80 books, theater adaptations, and plays blending fun with insight. His diverse roles included Gujarati Natya Mandal member from 1958, Prajatantra deputy editor, and government content officer, where his wit never waned.
Few legacies transcend mediums like Mehta’s. In 2008, ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ premiered on Sony SAB, adapting his column into a sitcom phenomenon. Gokuldham Society’s ensemble, led by Shailesh Lodha as Mehta, captures everyday humor, becoming India’s comedy benchmark.
The nation acknowledged his impact with a 2015 Padma Shri. After battling illness, Mehta left us on March 1, 2017, aged 87, in Ahmedabad. But his inverted lens lives on—in books, stages, and screens—proving sweet satire outlasts time, fostering smiles and self-reflection across India.