For over 17 years, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been a beloved part of Indian households, making families laugh every evening with its quirky characters and lighthearted humor. Whether it’s Jethalal’s hilarious antics or Dayaben’s trademark ‘Hey Maa, Mataji’, the show has given us countless iconic moments and dialogues.
But did you know that one of Jethalal’s most famous lines – ‘Ae Pagal Aurat’ – was removed from the show following objections from women’s groups?
How a Spontaneous Dialogue Became a Meme
In the early years of the show, Dilip Joshi, who plays the much-loved Jethalal, would often use the phrase ‘Ae Pagal Aurat’ whenever his character was flustered or annoyed with his wife, Dayaben (played by Disha Vakani).
Interestingly, this dialogue wasn’t even part of the original script. It was a spur-of-the-moment improvisation by Dilip Joshi that quickly became a fan favorite and later, a viral meme across social media.
Recalling the journey of this line, Dilip Joshi shared,
“Baad mein, uspe kuch women’s lib ya koi movement tha, mujhe bataya gaya, ‘Aage se, aap yeh nahi bolenge’.”
(Translation: Later, I was informed that some women’s groups had taken objection to the dialogue, and I was told not to say it again.)
Why the Dialogue Was Dropped
Over time, as the show grew in popularity, certain dialogues and scenes began drawing more attention. Women’s rights groups raised concerns over the repeated use of the term ‘pagal aurat’ (crazy woman), pointing out that it reinforced negative stereotypes about women, even if in a humorous setting.
Respecting these concerns, the show’s creators decided to discontinue the use of the dialogue, showing a willingness to adapt and be sensitive to the evolving social landscape.
The Show Still Holds a Special Place in Fans’ Hearts
Even though ‘Ae Pagal Aurat’ is no longer a part of the script, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continues to thrive and entertain millions every night at 8:30 PM on SAB TV. While Disha Vakani has stepped away from the show, fans still tune in for their love of Jethalal, Popatlal, Bhide, Babita Ji, Sodhi, and of course, the ever-mischievous Tapu Sena.
The show’s ability to adapt and stay relevant while respecting audience sentiments is perhaps one of the reasons behind its record-breaking run and continued popularity.
A Lesson in Responsible Entertainment
Dilip Joshi’s experience is a reminder that even comedy needs to evolve with the times. What once made people laugh can sometimes make others uncomfortable. The fact that the actor and the show’s team chose to listen and adapt speaks volumes about their commitment to inclusive entertainment.
So, while ‘Ae Pagal Aurat’ might remain a nostalgic line for early fans, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah keeps proving that good comedy doesn’t need to hurt anyone’s sentiments to be effective.
