Exclusive: When Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actor Dilip Joshi’s reel father Amit Bhatt aka Bapuji met his real father; watch this iconic moment

“Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah”, the longest-running Indian sitcom, recently celebrated over 17 years of continuous broadcast—a rare feat in Indian television. As part of this ongoing celebration, the sets turned nostalgic when a special family-themed shoot brought not just the cast, but also their real-life family members together. One moment stood out—when actor Amit Bhatt, who famously plays Champaklal Gada aka Bapuji, met the real-life father of his on-screen son, Dilip Joshi (Jethalal).In a candid moment captured by Times of India TV, Dilip Joshi’s reel and real fathers shared a frame for the first time. When asked about the iconic meet, Dilip, slipping into his trademark Jethalal persona, chuckled drawing laughter from everyone around, including producer Asit Kumarr Modi, who was also present.Dilip Joshi, one of Indian television’s most beloved faces, was also accompanied by his wife Jaymala and daughter Niyati during the shoot. The atmosphere on set was filled with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt memories as the actors and their families mingled freely.Amit Bhatt, whose portrayal of the strict-yet-lovable Bapuji has become a cornerstone of the show, shared a lighthearted bond with Dilip’s real father, further blurring the lines between fiction and reality. The camaraderie extended beyond the screen, showcasing why Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has resonated with audiences for nearly two decades.Currently airing fresh episodes as of July 2025, the show continues to deliver slice-of-life comedy with socially relevant messages, supported by a cast that includes Munmun Dutta, Shyam Pathak, Mandar Chandwadkar, and others. This touching real-meets-reel moment is yet another reminder of the family spirit that defines the show both on and off-screen.