At the heart of every classic TV show is a character who leaves an unforgettable mark. One such character is from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) that was Sonalika Bhide aka Sonu, originally portrayed by Jheel Mehta. Then in the year 2012, Jheel chose to step away from acting to focus on her studies, leaving many wondered if she will return to the show ever but that day never came. However, the former child actress recently opened up about why she never made a comeback and how life took a turn on complete different journey.
In a heartfelt conversation with Humans of Bombay, Jheel Mehta shared cherished memories of her TMKOC days. Joining the show at just 10 years old through a single audition, Jheel became an integral part of Tapu Sena, the mischievous yet lovable gang on the show. “Aur Tapu Sena? Hum bahut masti karte the,” she recalled with fondness.
One of her most special memories was celebrating her birthday on set after missing a school trip. She revealed, “The entire team—from our producer to our makeup dada—turned the set into a celebration. I will never forget it.”
Despite the fun on set and her growing popularity, Jheel chose to leave the show in 2012 to focus on her board exams. Although she appeared in commercials afterward, her acting career took a backseat following a personal tragedy. In 2019, Jheel’s father suffered a heart attack, leading to leave her dreams behind to support her father’s business. “I decided to keep everything aside and help Papa with his business,” she explained.
While stepping away from acting was a tough choice for her, Jheel made sure to accept her new goal wholeheartedly. “The little girl who once dreamt under studio lights now had a new dream—to become a successful businesswoman. Aur yeh sapna bhi dil se tha, just like acting.”
Although the character of Sonu has been recast multiple times, fans continue to associate Jheel with the role. She shared a funny anecdote about being recognized abroad: “An Indian family saw me and screamed, ‘Arrey! Humari Sonu yaha kya kar rahi hai?’” Also, after posting her proposal video online with her to-be husband Aditya Dube, she laughed at a comment that read, “Tapu ne toh zeher pee liya hoga!” Reflecting on the love, she added, “It’s surprising how, sirf ek character play karne se, main pure India ke bachpan ka hissa ban gayi. Isse zyada blessing kya ho sakti hai kisi actor ke liye?”
Currently, Jheel is focused on her personal life and is set to marry her longtime partner, Aditya Dube, on December 28. She shared the wedding date on social media in September, alongside memories of her bachelorette trip to Goa.
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