Premium

Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah’s ‘original Tapu’, Bhavya Gandhi, confirms he’s not returning to the show: ‘I have three films releasing next year’

Following the buzz around Bhavya Gandhi return to Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah as Tapu, Asit Modi's Neela Telefilm issued a statement refuting the rumors. Bhavya has now said that he was misquoted.

3 min readMumbaiUpdated: Nov 11, 2025 07:19 PM IST

Bhavya Gandhi talks about TMKOC comeback. (Photo: Bhavya Gandhi/ Instagram)

Fans of Asit Kumar Modi’s Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah have been eagerly waiting for Dayaben’s return to the show. While that anticipation continues, viewers were recently caught off guard when speculation began circulating online that former Tapu, Bhavya Gandhi, was set to rejoin the show. Several Instagram pages claimed that Bhavya wished to return to TMKOC to reprise his role and receive a proper closure. The rumours grew strong enough that the makers had to release an official statement denying them. Now, speaking exclusively to SCREEN, Bhavya has clarified that he has been misquoted regarding any plans to return.

A few months ago, during a podcast with Telly Talk India, Bhavya mentioned that he would like to return to Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah someday to promote one of his films. However, his remarks were misinterpreted and circulated online as though he had expressed a desire to return to the show to reprise the role of Tapu. Talking about the same, Bhavya told SCREEN, “I don’t know how a simple statement like this can be misquoted. I have been getting lots of calls and messages from friends, family, and the media. I have three films in the pipeline to be released next year, and two films are going on the floor next year. I don’t think right now is the time for me to go back on the show. I will definitely go to promote my film, but nothing else except that.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bhavya Vinod Gandhi (@bhavyagandhi97)

Also Read: TMKOC creator Asit Modi reacts to controversies around the show, allegations made by former actors: ‘I do feel bad, but I forgive them’

In their statement, Asit Modi’s Neela Telefilms clarified, “We would like to clarify that the reports suggesting Bhavya Gandhi’s return to Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah are completely untrue. The recent buzz around his comeback is purely speculative and aimed at creating unwarranted gossip. Such rumours often circulate, and we urge viewers and members of the media to avoid giving them attention. Our current Tapu, Nitish Bhaluni, is doing a fantastic job, and audiences have been wholeheartedly appreciating his performance and energy on screen. We truly value the love, nostalgia, and unwavering support that fans continue to express for the show and its characters. We would also like to reiterate that any official announcements regarding the cast will be made solely through Neela Film Productions.”

Also Read | Taarak Mehta’s Disha Vakani is playing a new role, unlikely to return as Dayaben, says brother Mayur: ‘She is doing it with full dedication’

Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been successfully running for 17 years.

Nawaz Javed Kochra

Nawaz Javed Kochra is a seasoned entertainment journalist at The Indian Express Online, bringing nearly a decade of expertise to the forefront of cultural reporting. With a focus on the television and Over-The-Top (OTT) landscapes, he has established himself as a prominent voice in the industry, known for his high-profile celebrity interviews and insightful coverage of the Indian entertainment sector. Experience & Career Nawaz holds a Master of Arts in Communication and Journalism from Mumbai University, providing him with a rigorous academic and ethical foundation. In his 11-year career, he has navigated through several of India's leading media houses, building a portfolio that spans digital, print, and broadcast media: The Indian Express: Currently leads coverage of TV and OTT content, producing both written analysis and popular video interview segments. Former Roles: He began his career at the iconic Stardust Magazine and later held key positions at Zoom TV, Zee Multimedia, MissMalini, Bollywood Bubble, and Raindrop Media. Expertise & Focus Areas Nawaz’s beat is characterized by a blend of exclusive access and trend analysis. His core areas of expertise include: Reality Television: Specialized coverage of major franchises like Bigg Boss, providing behind-the-scenes insights and winner profiles. OTT Ecosystem: Tracking the shift from traditional cable to digital streaming platforms, with a focus on web series and digital premieres. Celebrity Profiles & Interviews: Nawaz is celebrated for his ability to foster candid conversations with industry stalwarts, from music composers like Amaal Mallik to other TV legends. Investigative Entertainment News: Reporting on sensitive industry developments, including legal disputes and personal stories of resilience within the acting community. Authoritativeness & Trust With a reputation built on years of networking and credible reporting, Nawaz Kochra is a "known face" in the Mumbai media circuit. His work at The Indian Express adheres to the publication's "Journalism of Courage" standard, ensuring that even entertainment reporting is approached with accuracy, sensitivity, and transparency. His educational background and extensive tenure across diverse media platforms provide him with the authoritative perspective required to analyze the rapid evolution of Indian show business. ... Read More

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.