Shailesh Lodha: The Versatile Poet, Actor and Writer

Shailesh Lodha is a well-known name in the Indian entertainment industry. He is a poet, actor, comedian and writer who has won the hearts of millions of viewers with his witty and humorous performances. He is best known for playing the role of Taarak Mehta, a columnist and the narrator of the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

Early Life and Education

Lodha was born on 15 July 1969 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in a Marwari family. He developed a passion for poetry and writing at a young age and was nicknamed “Baal Kavi” (child poet) when he was nine years old. He travelled a lot with his father, who was a government employee and was influenced by his mother’s love for reading and vocabulary in Hindi. He completed his graduation in B.Sc. and PG in marketing.

Poetry and Writing

Lodha started his career as a poet and writer and published four books. The first two books are satirical humour, the third is a self-help book co-written with his wife Swati Lodha, who is a management author, and the fourth book is Diljale Ka Facebook Status, which is a collection of poems written from the point of view of a jilted lover. He also participated in various poetry events and kavi sammelans across the country.

Some of his famous poems are:

• Maa: A tribute to his mother and all mothers in the world.
• Papa: A poem about his father’s sacrifices and love for him.
• Desh: A patriotic poem about India and its diversity.
• Hasya Kavita: A humorous poem about various topics such as politics, marriage, cricket, etc.

Television and Film

Lodha made his television debut in 2007 as a contestant in the comedy reality show Comedy Circus. He impressed the judges and the audience with his comic timing and delivery. He later appeared in another comedy show Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala in 2011. In 2008, he got his breakthrough role as Taarak Mehta in the sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, which is based on the column Duniya Ne Undha Chashma by Gujarati writer Taarak Mehta. The show depicts the lives of the residents of Gokuldham Society, a fictional housing colony in Mumbai, and their daily adventures. Lodha plays the role of a sensible and calm writer who often gives advice to his friends and neighbours. He also narrates the episodes with his witty comments and anecdotes. The show has been running for over 15 years and has become one of the longest-running and most-watched shows on Indian television.

Lodha also hosted a popular show Wah! Wah! Kya Baat Hai! on SAB TV from 2012 to 2013 along with Neha Mehta, who played his wife Anjali Mehta on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The show featured poets from various genres and regions who recited their poems on various themes. Lodha also recited his own poems on the show and entertained the audience with his humour and wit. In 2019, he made his film debut with the comedy film Wig Boss, where he played the role of a wig seller who gets into trouble with some gangsters.

In 2022, Lodha filed a lawsuit against the producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Asit Modi, for not clearing his dues. He approached the National Company Law Tribunal for the clearance of his year-long dues. On 5 August 2023, he won the suit against Modi and received his pending payments.

Awards and Achievements

Lodha has won several awards and accolades for his work as a poet, actor and writer. He has received the National Srijan Award, Bharat Gaurav Award, Rajasthan Gaurav Award and Zee Gold Awards for Best Anchor and Best Actor in Comic Role. He is also active on social media platforms like Facebook, where he has more than one million followers.

Personal Life

Lodha is married to Swati Lodha and has a daughter named Swara. He lives in Mumbai with his family. He is a vegetarian and follows Jainism. He loves writing, reading and travelling in his spare time. He is an inspiration for many aspiring poets, actors and writers who want to pursue their passion and make their mark in the industry.