Sonalika Joshi Aka 'Madhavi' From 'TMKOC' Recalls Auditioning For It, 'Had To Leave My 4-Year-Old..'

Sonalika Joshi, best known for playing the role of 'Madhavi Bhide' is one of the most popular characters of the iconic sitcom, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The show has been entertaining audiences for more than 17 years now, and the actress has been a part of it since day one. Although, the actress prefers to keep a low profile, she recently sat down for an interview and recalled how one of her friends in the industry suggested her to audition for the role and described her hesitation behind it.

Sonalika Joshi left her 4-year-old daughter at a neighbour's home before going to audition 

Sonalika Joshi, aka 'Madhavi Bhide', always reminds us of her tasty Maharashtrian dishes and her famous achar-papad. She recently sat for an interview with Rajshri Marathi and recounted how she got the role. The actress shared that one of her friends, actor Shailesh (Datar), who was earlier supposed to be a part of the show informed her about it. Recalling the incident, Sonalika said:

"I was really sceptical about it initially, but because Shailesh had suggested this one, I decided to give it a shot. My daughter was very small when the audition came. She was barely 4-5 years old. Leaving her alone was very difficult for me. That is why I used to refuse offers and avoid going to auditions. We used to stay in Kandivali so to travel to Andheri and come back was very difficult. We didn't have a car back then, but we were okay financially."

Sonalika added that since her daughter was young, she required someone to look after her. Consequently, she left her daughter, Arya, with the neighbours before going for the audition of the show. At the same time, Shailesh, who suggested the role, gave a small description of it. Following the description, Sonalika wore a Maharashtrian Paithani saree to her audition, which immediately impressed the show's director and producer. As a result, she bagged the role. In her words:

"Somehow, I don't know what came to my mind; I wore a paithani saree and was dressed up as a typical Maharashtrian lady. I knew details about the character but who would have thought I would go so prepared? The director was quite happy looking at me, and we hit it off well as he had seen my work. Luckily, the producer was also present, so when he saw me, he knew that he had found his Madhavi. The typical Maharashtrian look worked wonders for me, he selected me without the whole process. I call it destiny."

Sonalika Joshi reveals Shailesh Datar and not Mandar Chandwadkar was initially selected to play 'Atmaram Bhide'

In the same conversation, Sonalika Joshi revealed that her friend, Shailesh Datar, who asked her to audition for the role, was initially locked in to play 'Madhavi's' husband, 'Atmaram Bhide' in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. However, he was also in discussion with another show and when the makers didn't reach a compromise, he left. Later, Mandar Chandwadkar stepped into the role, and after 17 years, we can't imagine anyone else playing the role. Sonalika Said:

"Shailesh (Datar) is the reason why I got Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. He had gone to audition for the show. Still, he was already in talks for another show as well, and Taarak Mehta's team wasn't allowing an adjustment for him to do two shows, so he decided to drop the offer for Bhide's character and chose another show."

More about Sonalika Joshi 

Sonalika Joshi pursued a B.A. in history, fashion designing and theatre. Later, she moved to Mumbai and began taking in plays like Baiko Asun Shejari, Wadhta Wadhta Wadhe, Bol Bachchan, Choukon, etc, which played a vital role in shaping her acting skills. Soon, she got her first Hindi show, Udan Chhoo. Later, Sonalika transitioned into Marathi TV serials like Paus Yeta Yeta, Kimayagar, Mahashweta, Nayak, Ek Shwasache Antar, and more with some TV commercials. Since 2008, she has been a part of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. In her personal life, she tied the knot with Sameer Joshi and has one daughter, Arya Joshi

Well, after 17 years, we are glad that Sonalika Joshi agreed to play the role of 'Madhavi Bhide' in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. What do you think? Let us know in comments.

Next Read: Alia Bhatt Radiates Maharashtrian Elegance In A Vibrant Nauvari Saree At WAVES Summit 2025

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