Indian sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) has been on air since 2008, making it one of the longest-running shows in Indian television history. Based on Gujarati writer Taarak Mehta’s column Duniya Ne Undha Chashma, the show has become a primetime hit, with families tuning in to see what the residents of the fictional Gokuldham Society are up to. Various A-list Bollywood celebrities including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Ajay Devgn have starred on the show to promote their upcoming releases.

When you’ve been ruling the airwaves in this manner for almost two decades, it’s natural for the cast to undergo some changes due to various reasons. TMKOC is no different in that regard. The show’s beloved characters have been recast or written off over the last 17 years. The most notable changes were titular character Taarak Mehta, played by Shailesh Lodha, being replaced by Sachin Shroff in 2022 and Daya Gadha, played by Disha Vakani being written out of the show.

Similar rumours surfaced regarding the show’s most beloved character Jethalal Gadha, played by Dilip Joshi, when fans noticed he was absent from the show’s ongoing ‘bhootni’ arc. While Joshi has not addressed these speculations, the show’s creator Asit Kumarr Modi called the news “fake” and “untrue” in an interview with Moneycontrol.

“As you know, social media these days has become so negative that you should try to keep a positive mindset,” he said in the interview. “And Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is a completely positive show. It’s a family show that spreads happiness. So some people should think positively about it. It’s not right to spread rumours about small things or say anything inappropriate. That’s not a good thing,” he said.

While fans eagerly wait for Joshi to return to the action, here are some compilations that showcase some of his best moments that will tide them over. Relax, sit back and hit play.