Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's Popatlal aka Shyam Pathak is one of the most adored characters in the TV industry. Let us check out some lesser-known details about him.
Hailing from a lower-middle-class family, Shyam Pathak was born and brought up in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, and lived in a chawl for 25 years. He had a love for theatre and he is and he is a pass-out from KJ Somaiya College. ALSO READ | Kaun Banega Crorepati 13: TMKOC’s Popatlal Leaves Amitabh Bachchan In Splits, Asks ‘Aap Mere Shaadi Karva Sakte Hai?’
His love for theatre took a backstep and an ETimes report quoted him saying, "I cleared the exams and it was going on for 3 years. But somewhere down the line, I felt like I want to pursue my dreams and wanted to make that my profession. But I was seeing no way."
Shyam Pathak balanced his career and theatre. After trying his luck with National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), he wanted to train in an institutional setup. While the actor had no money to enrol in a theatre workshop.
During one play, he got to know about Barry John. He learnt about his group, and school and was very inspired. He had no money and wrote a letter to him that he wanted to work under him and learn from him. He later went to Delhi.
While Shyam’s family struggled financially, the actor did odd jobs to support his higher studies and family.
Interestingly, he worked as a salesman at a cloth store. In an interview, the actor said, "Many times, girls from my class would visit with their parents and I would feel embarrassed. But that was a phase and a learning experience."
Following his return from Delhi to Mumbai, he performed in several plays and television shows. His first TV show was Ek Chabi Hai Padose Mein. Then he was seen in other shows like Sonpari, Jasuben Jayantilaal Joshi Ki Joint Family.
With no Godfather, Shyam has struggled his way to the top and he appeared in several television series. Recalling his journey, he said, "It was my hard work, sincerity, self-belief and dedication throughout." ALSO READ | Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Priya Ahuja Rajda REACTS To Rita Reporter Getting Married To Popatlal, Her Hilarious Response Takes Over The Internet
Shyam got married to Reshami in 2003. The couple is blessed with three children, two sons and a daughter.
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