10 May,2026 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Shruti Sampat
Sonalika Joshi and Khushi Mali (Instagram)
This Mother's Day, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actress Sonalika Joshi, who essays the role of Madhvi Bhide, opened up about her heartwarming onscreen bond with Sonu and the actresses who have portrayed the beloved character over the years. Speaking candidly about the evolving yet consistent mother-daughter dynamic in the show, Sonalika shared how, for the actors, the essence of the character always remains more important than who is playing it.
Reflecting on the actresses who stepped into Sonu's shoes over the years, Sonalika said, "All four girls were superb. For us, what happens is the character. So, you don't always count off-screen chemistry. Firstly, you have to maintain that on-screen chemistry. So, whoever the person is, for you, it is the character."
She further explained that despite cast changes, Sonu's place in the Bhide family has remained emotionally intact. "It doesn't matter to you when it comes to on-screen, who came and who left. For you, it is Sonu. For you, it is a character. It is your daughter. You have to treat her accordingly. So, there is no difference on-screen for us, the artists," she shared.
The actress also highlighted how audiences have always loved the warmth shared between Bhide, Madhvi and Sonu. "A lot of people liked our chemistry as well. The chemistry of Bhide and Madhavi, people liked it a lot. When Sonu has to come in that, a lot of people like the family of the three of us," she said.
Describing Sonu's personality in the show, Sonalika added, "She is a girl, she is cute. She is shy, like Bhide must have taught her. Madhavi has given her a little limit. She has given her a little freedom. But still, she is in Papa's case. So, she has her own limitations."
Sonalika also credited the writers and producers for maintaining consistency in the character despite multiple replacements. "According to that, everything was maintained. The producer and the writers also have a lot of work. So, they also have to maintain it. It is everybody's responsibility," she explained.
Talking about actors stepping into an established role, the actress noted that while new performers should not imitate previous portrayals, they must understand the soul of the character. "If someone is new, they also have to take care of the responsibility. Whatever they did earlier, they don't have to copy it. But they have to take care of the character," she said.
Praising all the actresses who played Sonu, including current actor Khushi Mali, Sonalika concluded, "I think all three of them handled it very well. Everybody was good and Khushi is also doing great."
