Tanmay Vekaria reunites with Smriti Irani after 15 years, recalls Maniben.com days
Synopsis
After 15 years, Tanmay Vekaria and Smriti Irani crossed paths and rekindled memories of Maniben.com, the 2009–2010 comedy-drama where he played her younger brother. The unexpected reunion, captured in a selfie with producer Kiran Bhatt, highlights the enduring bonds forged on Indian television sets and the nostalgia that binds former co-stars across decades.
Key Takeaways
Actor Tanmay Vekaria reunited with actress-politician Smriti Irani after nearly 15 years at an unexpected meeting in Mumbai.
The two previously worked together on Maniben.com ( 2009–2010 ), where Vekaria played Irani's younger brother.
Producer-director Kiran Bhatt , who had also collaborated with Irani on Gujarati theatrical productions, was present at the reunion.
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah , where Vekaria plays Baga, has aired for nearly 18 years since 28 July 2008 .
Smriti Irani reprised her iconic role of Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 , which premiered on 29 July 2025 .
Actor Tanmay Vekaria, best known for his role as Bagheshwar 'Baga' in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, recently reconnected with actress-politician Smriti Irani after nearly 15 years, sparking a wave of nostalgia for their shared television past. The unexpected meeting, which also included veteran producer-director Kiran Bhatt, was documented in a selfie Vekaria shared on social media, capturing the warmth of their reunion.
A Blast from the Past
Vekaria fondly recalled his collaboration with Irani on the comedy-drama Maniben.com, where he portrayed her younger brother during the show's 2009–2010 run. In his social media post, he described the encounter as a "sudden catch up" and highlighted how Bhatt had also produced Gujarati theatrical productions featuring Irani. The actor expressed genuine delight at reconnecting after such a lengthy gap, using hashtags like #nostalgia and #memories to underscore the sentimental nature of the moment.
Tanmay Vekaria's Television Journey
Vekaria rose to household prominence through his portrayal of the innocent and comic-relief character Baga on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, a role that has made him a beloved fixture on Indian television for over a decade. His character, an employee at Gada Electronics, is celebrated for his impeccable comic timing and endearing simplicity, earning him a loyal fanbase across generations.
The Longevity of TMKOC
The sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah first aired on 28 July 2008 and has since become one of India's longest-running Hindi television series, having completed nearly 18 years on air. Its sustained popularity speaks to the chemistry among its ensemble cast and the show's ability to blend family humour with relatable storytelling.
Smriti Irani's Career Span
Irani's television career began with her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which aired from 3 July 2000 to 6 November 2008 and became a cultural phenomenon. She has since transitioned into politics while maintaining selective television appearances. In 2025, she reprised her legendary role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, which premiered on 29 July 2025, demonstrating the enduring appeal of her original character.
Maniben.com: A Forgotten Gem
Maniben.com, which aired during 2009–2010, featured Irani in the titular role of a spirited Gujarati housewife navigating family dynamics with warmth and humour. Though the show had a relatively brief run, it clearly left lasting impressions on its cast, as evidenced by Vekaria's enthusiastic recollection of their time together.
Point of View
Despite its churn of shows and cast changes, creates genuine bonds that endure. Vekaria's warmth in recalling Maniben.com—a show that lasted just two years—underscores how even brief collaborations can leave lasting impressions. For Irani, the moment signals that her pre-political television legacy remains cherished, even as her current focus lies elsewhere. These chance encounters also highlight the tight-knit nature of Indian television's creative circles, where producers, directors, and actors frequently collaborate across projects and decades.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tanmay Vekaria and why is he famous?
Tanmay Vekaria is an Indian actor best known for playing Bagheshwar 'Baga' in the long-running sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, which premiered on 28 July 2008. His character, an employee at Gada Electronics, is celebrated for his innocent nature and comic timing, making him a household name across Indian television audiences.
What was Maniben.com and when did it air?
Maniben.com was a comedy-drama that aired between 2009 and 2010, starring Smriti Irani in the titular role of a spirited Gujarati housewife. Tanmay Vekaria played her younger brother in the show, which was produced by Kiran Bhatt.
How long has Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah been on air?
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah first premiered on 28 July 2008 and has completed nearly 18 years on air, making it one of India's longest-running Hindi television series.
What is Smriti Irani's most famous television role?
Smriti Irani is best known for her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which aired from 3 July 2000 to 6 November 2008 and became a cultural phenomenon. She reprised the role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, which premiered on 29 July 2025.
