Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is the longest-running show on Indian television. But in the last few years, it has been struggling to retain its actors. From Shailesh Lodha, and Bhavya Gandhi to Gurpreet Singh and now Raj Anadkat, many actors have already left the show or are planning to do so soon.
And, one of the main reasons is the exclusive contract that the producer of TMKOC wants every actor to sign. The actors working in this series are not allowed to work on any other projects even when they have free dates and are not shooting for the comedy sitcom.
TMKOC actors-Shailesh Lodha, Raj Andakat
Actors like Shailesh Lodha have multiple options of working on different projects but could not do so due to this exclusive contract and hence, decided to take a break from the show. Reportedly, Raj Anadkat who replaced Bhavya Gandhi a few years ago as Tappu is also working on a music video and may not return to the show.
Paras Kalnawat
The same thing happened with Anupamaa fame actor Paras Kalnawat who was adored by the fans as Samar Shah. He was shown the doors by the producers of the show because reportedly, he breached the exclusive contract and signed for the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa. While Paras has denied that he had given a nod to the dance show while still in contract with Anupamaa producers, now he is no more a part of Anupamaa.
Giaa Manek
The original Gopi bahu from Saath Nibhana Saathiya ruled the hearts of all the ladies when she was asked to quit the show for signing Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa. However, later on when the spin-off of Saath Nibhana Saathiya-Tera Mera Saath Rahe was produced Giaa Manek returned as Gopika.
There are many other actors like Pratyusha Banerjee and Shilpa Shinde who left the show mid-way because either they could not cope with the hectic schedules or were reportedly mentally harassed by the producers.