'Would love to retire as Sundar': Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's Mayur Vakani opens up about retirement and life beyond the show

17 years, countless laughs, and a character who feels more like family than fiction—that’s what Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has given audiences. And for Mayur Vakani, who plays Sundar, the brother of Daya, and real-life brother of Disha Vakani, the show has become more than just work—it’s a way of life. The actor recently opened up about retirement and the impact of the show.

In his conversation with TOI, Mayur said that Sundar has now become bigger than him as an actor. He explained that people see Sundar almost like a real soul, something that goes beyond just a character. To him, Sundar has taken on a life of his own—so much so that even if another actor were to play the role someday, the essence would still remain intact. Mayur also shared that he would “love to retire with the show” and feels grateful to both God and Taarak Mehta for giving him this legacy.

The impact of his role beyond the show
For Mayur, the journey has never been only about making people laugh. He once shared how a woman battling cancer told him that the show became her lifeline. She found strength in knowing that every evening at 8:30 pm she could watch Taarak Mehta, and that simple thought gave her the will to fight. Even her doctors were surprised at how quickly she recovered, and meeting Mayur later felt to her like a second life.


But the love for his character wasn’t always this simple. Early on, Mayur faced criticism from viewers who didn’t believe he looked convincing as an Ahmedabadi. He recalled how a man once confronted him about it, which initially unsettled him. When he spoke to his father, a theatre artist, he was told that the criticism was actually proof of success because it showed the audience was emotionally invested. That moment made Mayur realise just how deeply people were connecting with his character.

4,500 Happysodes of TMKOC
Recently, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), helmed by Asit Kumarr Modi, achieved the extraordinary milestone of 4500 episodes. Fondly called “Happysodes” by fans, this landmark reinforces its status as India’s longest-running sitcom and a cultural icon that has united families for over 17 years.

To commemorate the occasion, the entire TMKOC family came together in a heartfelt celebration. The spotlight was not only on the cast but also on the writers, technicians, designers, and crew members who have been silently shaping the show since its inception.



Reflecting on the achievement, Asit Kumarr Modi shared, “Completing 4500 Happysodes is a blessing. TMKOC has now entered its 18th year, touching audiences across generations. This is not just my success—it belongs to every cast and crew member who built this foundation. Most importantly, it belongs to our audience, whose love and support have made this journey possible.”