'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' has found its new 'Sonu Bhide' after Palak Sindhwani left the show last month. Khushi Mali takes on the role as Palak continues her legal battle with the show makers.
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons over the past few weeks. The first bombshell dropped when the show’s production house, Neela Film Productions announced that castmate, Palak Sindhwani had been sent a legal notice due to a breach of contract. That was followed by Palak releasing her own statement via her team, in which she accused the show makers of mentally harassing her and defaming her because she wanted to quit.
Amidst all the controversy, Palak finally quit the show last month. On October 4, 2024, the show makers announced that the role she played, ‘Sonu Bhide’ would now be filled by Khushi Mali. While the announcement was met with mixed responses from fans, they were still curious to know more about the new ‘Sonu’.
Khushi Mali is a newcomer to the world of television, having featured in only one show titled Saajha Sindoor before. However, the model and actress has been seen in several advertisements and often collaborates with brands on her Instagram. She currently has 54.8k followers on Instagram, through which she often updates fans about her life.
Show producer, Asit Kumarr Modi wasted no time in sharing his opinions on Khushi Mali joining TMKOC as ‘Sonu’. In an interview with The Times Of India, he discussed both the importance of the role and the deep consideration that went into casting Khushi. He said:
“Sonu is a vital part of the Tapu Sena, and her presence has always shown leadership and warmth. Casting Khushi Mali was a careful decision, and we believe she perfectly captures these traits. We are excited to welcome Khushi and will fully support her as she brings this character to life. We hope our audience will give her the same love they have shown to the show and its characters for the past 16 years.”
Khushi Mali was also asked about her feelings on becoming a part of the beloved show. She voiced her thoughts on the role and the opportunity, saying:
“Portraying Sonu’s role will be interesting because she has many attributes. Also, being a part of Taarak Mehta is a blessing and a great opportunity for me. I look forward to connecting with the masses through my role.”
The excited newcomer has also been relentlessly sharing stories on her Instagram since the news dropped. In her first story, she described her joining TMKOC as a “Naye saffar ki shuruat” while asking her followers for their “sath aur pyaar”. In another story, she thanked Asit Modi for the “golden opportunity”. She also reposted several stories of friends and fans congratulating her on the huge achievement.
For the unversed, Palak Sindhwani is still embroiled in a legal battle with the TMKOC producers over their alleged harassment and “inhuman treatment” towards her. She is not the first to step forward with allegations against the show makers. Before her, former castmates like Jennifer Mistry, Priya Ahuja, and Shailesh Lodha, among others, have already opened up about the abuse they endured on the sets of TMKOC.
What do you think about Khushi Mali as the new ‘Sonu Bhide’ in TMKOC? Do you think she will be able to fill the shoes of Palak Sindhwani? Let us know.
Also Read: Ananya Panday Reveals Mother's 'Nuskha' To Protect Her From 'Nazar': 'People Think I Don't Shower'