Young actor Nitish Bhaluni, affectionately recognized as Tapu from the popular television series Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, expresses immense joy and gratitude for the opportunity to portray the iconic character of Tapu. Airing on Sony SAB, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, produced by Asit Kumarr Modi under the esteemed banner of Neela Film Productions, has carved a niche for itself as one of the longest-running and most cherished shows in Indian television history. Its unique storytelling and relatable characters continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring its enduring popularity and affection among viewers of all ages.
Nitish who took over as Tapu from Raj Anadkat, has cushioned his place in the show well and is liked for his portrayal. In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Nitish Bhaluni expresses his gratitude on being part of this cult show, talks about his onscreen and off-screen friendship with Sonu aka Khushi Mali and on the show’s evergreen popularity.
Read on.
The friendship between Tapu and Sonu has evolved with time in TMKOC. How do you visualize this bond?
Yes, Tapu and Sonu’s bond has evolved with time. It’s a good thing. We go through so much in our lives, and we get emotionally mature with time. I visualize it in the way that whatever happens, whatever the problems are, Tapu and Sonu will always be together. Whether it is Sonu’s personal life or Tapu’s personal life, the first person that they approach is each other. This friendship will positively represent the best friend bond that we have.
I am happy that I am playing my dad’s favourite character, Tapu in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. My mom, my dad, my brother are so happy. It is such a big thing for us.
The recent track in the show brought to light a new angle with Bhide fearing a love angle between Tapu and Sonu. What have you to say about it?
Tapu is a very innocent guy and Tapu and Sonu are best friends. They share their problems, and issues with each other, and they travel with each other just like normal friends do, just like the whole Tapu Sena does. But from Bhide uncle’s POV, he is doubtful about Tapu. Whether Tapu likes Sonu, what intentions does Tapu have with Sonu, are his thoughts. Tapu and Sonu have a friendship bond, they are loyal and protective of each other. But what about Bhide’s perspective? We’ll see. You all have fun watching it, we will have fun performing it.
Define your friendship goals.
To be honest, my upbringing has taught me that friendship is about ‘Jo tera hai vo mera hai!’. If I need my friends, I wouldn’t ask if my friend is available or not, I would say ‘Bhai tujhe ana hai matlab ana hai!’. I keep only those friends around whom I can confidently call, which I feel is necessary for friendship. Otherwise, if you feel the friend won’t help you, it is not a real friendship. That’s why my circle is small, but I know they will help me at whatever time I call them. So, I like these types of friends who are straightforward.
How is it to be a part of a show like TMKOC?
It feels like I am so blessed, I am the chosen one among the people who auditioned for this role. I am so blessed that Asit Sir chose me. I should thank Asit Sir for selecting me. I am so glad because I have been watching this show since childhood and somehow I landed on this show and that too as my dad’s favourite character, Jethalal’s son. This was my destiny. My mom, my dad, my brother everyone is so happy. It is such a big thing for us. I still wonder how it happened. I feel gratified for Asit sir and the entire team who have been working for 17 years on the show.
I think even after 5-6 years you will have to say the same thing ‘TMKOC is doing well even after years’.
What are your takeaways from your role?
First of all, Tapu is very innocent. I think when we are young, we all have that innocence. But with age, we learn a lot of new things, we have responsibilities which is why we change. For the better, yes, but we lose that innocence. So, the most important takeaway from Tapu’s character is his innocence. I make sure to bring that innocence to my real life. Secondly, I like how Tapu brings positivity to every situation and is solution-oriented. I try to bring this optimistic thought into my life as well.
How do you spend time on set when you are not shooting?
We have a lot of fun on the sets whether we are shooting or not. Especially Tapu Sena, we roast each other so much. Even when we are at the shoot, our director has to ask us to pause on the fun so that we stop. When we are not shooting, we usually hang out in a room. Whenever I am alone, I like to practice guitar with YouTube tutorials. Currently, I am interested in gaining knowledge about finance. So whenever I get time these days, I am either having fun or learning about finance.
TMKOC is doing well even after years. What do you have to say about it?
I don’t know if it is God-gifted, but there is so much positivity on the set. The director and actors are enthusiastic about the scenes and always try to improvise and make the audience laugh. To keep this approach even after so many years feels so motivating and inspiring for young actors like us. We too think we have to be innovative and creative with the script. A special thing on TMKOC set is that everyone, be it the DOP, cameraman, or any other crew member, can express their opinions and we listen to them. So the environment is very family-like. That is because, I think, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah will go on for years ahead. I think even after 5-6 years you will have to say the same thing ‘TMKOC is doing well even after years’. Our team’s hard work and the audience’s love is making this happen. We are grateful to you all. I would like to say thank you Asit sir for the opportunity, thank you to the audience for loving me and supporting me and thank you for interviewing me!
