Asit Modi says those unhappy with current 'TMKOC' episodes may be 'under stress'
Mumbai, July 30
Producer Asit Kumarr Modi has reacted to criticism from a section of viewers who feel that the current episodes of the long-running sitcom 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' are not as entertaining as they once were during the initial days of the show.
The producer said that perspectives change with time and even the audience evolves.
Speaking exclusively to IANS as the show completed 18 years, Modi said every phase of the sitcom has reflected the changing lives of its characters, which naturally brings a shift in storytelling.
"There is a change with time. Earlier, my Tappu Sena was small and there were children in the society. There was mischief and fun. Gradually, everyone grew up in the society, so the story also changed," he said.
The producer added that while some viewers may have moved on, the show has also gained a fresh audience over the years, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Some new audience also came. Many people started watching the show during Covid, so they joined us. Some people left and some people came. That's how it is," he shared.
Addressing viewers who feel the humour has faded, Modi said he believes the comedy remains intact and suggested that stress could be affecting how some people experience it.
"In 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah', the laughter is still the same. I think those who are not able to feel the laughter are also under a little stress. I would request them to let go of the tension. Watch it with a free mind and you will laugh too," he said.
Reflecting on the milestone of the sitcom completing 18 years on television, Modi admitted that the achievement still feels surreal.
"Thinking about it, it feels like I have achieved something. Eighteen years and now we have reached the 4,774th episode. It feels like it all happened yesterday. Sometimes I wonder how it happened. I believe there is something beyond our thinking. God has made it possible. The entire team works hard continuously and keeps looking for new stories," he said.
Expressing gratitude to viewers, Modi credited the audience's unconditional love for the show's immense popularity across television, OTT platforms and social media.
"People continue to watch it even today. Whether it is on OTT platforms, social media or through memes, it makes us very happy that people enjoy 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' in different ways even today," he said.
Calling comedy a challenging genre, Modi concluded by saying that making people laugh requires immense effort and dedication.
"Comedy is a very serious business. If you want to make people laugh, you have to write well and present it beautifully," he added.
For the uninitiated, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah turned 18 on July 28, making it the longest running sitcom on Indian television.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Look, I've been watching TMKOC since I was a kid in school. Yes, the new episodes are different, but it's still wholesome family entertainment. The show has evolved, and I respect that. Mr. Modi's point about the audience changing too makes sense. We've all grown up! 🙌
I'm actually an NRI and TMKOC is my connection to home. The new episodes might not be as laugh-out-loud funny, but the values are still solid. I don't think blaming 'stress' is fair though—sometimes the writing just isn't as sharp. Still, 18 years is incredible!
My whole family watches TMKOC every evening. Yes, the serial quality has dipped a bit—too many filler episodes and recycled jokes. But it's still better than most of the trash on TV today. Mr. Modi shouldn't take criticism personally, but respect the feedback. Beta, it's constructive! 😉
I work in media and understand comedy is hard. But claiming viewers who dislike it are 'stressed' is a bit arrogant. The show relies heavily on the same old tropes now. I still watch out of habit, but the witty writing of the first 10 years is gone. 🤷♀️
I started watching during Covid and I love the show! It's comforting and light-hearted. My parents have been watching for years and they still enjoy it. Mr. Modi is right—the world is stressful, and TMKOC gives us a break from all that negativity. Kudos to the team! 🌟