Noted playwright Taarak Mehta passes away at 87

New Delhi: Noted Gujarati writer and playwriter Taarak Mehta breathed his last this morning, reportedly. The famous humourist, best known for his column Duniya Ne Undha Chasma in the Gujarati language died at the age of 87, according to ANI.

Mehta was reportedly suffering from a prolonged illness.

The noted writer was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 2015. His weekly column first featured in Chitralekha in March 1971. He has around 80 books published and written on various pressing issues.

The popular comic series 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' is a television adaptation of Padma Shri Taarak Mehta's column 'Duniya Ne Undha Chasma'. On learning about this tragic loss, the entire cast of SAB TV show is deeply saddened by this news. Lead actor Dilip Joshi, who plays Jethalal Gada in the show, told DNA, "I just heard the news. We are also busy finishing our episodes and suddenly we got to know he’s no more. It’s extremely sad. But we knew he was not keeping well. It’s also mostly because of old age. He was suffering a lot especially in the last few months. But this news has shocked the entire team. Everyone is extremely sad now."