Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), one of India’s longest-running and most beloved sitcoms, has once again made headlines—this time, not just for its storyline but for swirling rumours around the exit of two of its key characters: Jethalal (played by Dilip Joshi) and Babita Ji (played by Munmun Dutta). Social media erupted with emotional reactions as fans speculated their sudden departure from the show after 17 years.
Currently, TMKOC is exploring a fresh “Bhootni” (female ghost) storyline, adding a suspenseful twist to its regular comedy formula. In this ongoing plot, Taarak Mehta’s boss sends him and the entire Gokuldham Society on a vacation to a seemingly haunted bungalow. However, the boss secretly hopes that Taarak will debunk or investigate the ghost rumours while he’s there.
Amid the comedic chaos, Bhide claims he has seen a ghost—triggering a wave of panic in the society. Taarak attempts to pacify the residents with logic, but fear grips the group, amplifying the suspense in the otherwise light-hearted show. The haunted house plot has brought back viewers who enjoy a mix of thrills and laughter.
However, what caused more buzz than the ghost was the mysterious absence of Jethalal and Babita Ji from the recent episodes. Their disappearance sparked a flurry of rumours suggesting that the two actors had decided to leave the show for good. Has the beloved chemistry between Jethalal and Babita Ji come to an end?
According to reports from entertainment portals like Pinkvilla and ETimes, the makers have officially clarified that neither Dilip Joshi nor Munmun Dutta is quitting the show. A spokesperson for the show said,
“Dilip ji is currently on a short business-related break, while Munmun ji is vacationing in Mahabaleshwar. Both are very much part of the TMKOC family.”
The confirmation came as a relief to countless fans who have followed the show since its debut in 2008. Jethalal and Babita’s fun and quirky equation has been one of the iconic aspects of the sitcom.
Social media had earlier gone into a frenzy with hashtags like #JethalalQuitTMKOC and #BabitaJiForever trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans posting emotional tributes and throwback clips of their favourite scenes. The clarification has quelled these rumours, reassuring fans that the duo will return soon.
This isn’t the first time exit rumours have circulated around key characters of the show. Earlier, there were speculations about Tapu Sena actors and even Dayaben’s return. But the makers have consistently tried to preserve the original charm of the show while introducing fresh tracks to maintain viewer engagement.
Despite its ups and downs, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continues to remain a staple in Indian television. With the current Bhootni plot adding an interesting twist, TRPs are reportedly on the rise again.
So, fans can rest easy knowing that Jethalal will soon return with his signature expressions and Babita Ji will be back to light up the society with her charm.
Sources:
