24 June,2026 05:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Tanmay Vekaria, Arvind Vekaria (Picture via Instagram)
Veteran Gujarati actor and theatre artist Arvind Vekaria, father of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actor Tanmay Vekaria, has passed away, leaving the entertainment industry in mourning. Arvind Vekaria was a respected name in Gujarati theatre and cinema and was known for his contributions as both an actor and director. He had also made a guest appearance in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, the show that made his son Tanmay, popularly known as Bagha, a household name.
The news has come as a major personal loss for Tanmay Vekaria, who has already endured a difficult period. Reports note that the actor lost his mother in 2025, and the demise of his father has added to the family's grief.
Just days before the tragic news surfaced, Tanmay had gone viral for an emotional moment on the sets of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The actor broke down while speaking about his family and was seen being comforted by producer Asit Kumarr Modi. The incident briefly halted the shoot and highlighted the emotional challenges Tanmay has been facing.
Arvind Vekaria enjoyed a long and distinguished career in Gujarati entertainment. He appeared in several Gujarati films and theatre productions and was widely admired for his dedication to the performing arts. Among his notable works were films such as Yashoda, Chhanu Chamaklo and Rupiyo Nach Nachave. He also appeared in the iconic television show Shaktimaan, earning recognition from audiences across generations.
Tanmay Vekaria has often spoken about the influence his father had on his life and career. In earlier interviews, the actor credited Arvind Vekaria, a renowned Gujarati theatre personality, for inspiring him to pursue acting despite financial struggles and career setbacks during his early years.
As news of Arvind Vekaria's demise spread, fans and members of the Gujarati theatre fraternity expressed their condolences and remembered his immense contribution to the arts. His passing marks the end of an era for many who admired his work on stage and screen. While the industry mourns the loss of a seasoned performer, his legacy continues through the countless lives he touched and the artistic journey he inspired, including that of his son Tanmay Vekaria.