Neha Mehta is an Indian television actress who mainly works in Hindi TV serials and Gujarati films. She is known for playing the role of Anjali Taarak Mehta in the popular Hindi sitcom ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ (2008).
Wiki/Biography
Neha K. Mehta was born on Friday, 9 June 1978 (age 45 years; as of 2022) in Patan, Gujarat. Her zodiac sign is Gemini. She was brought up in Vadodara and Ahmedabad. She then pursued a diploma in vocal and drama. She did her schooling at Sheth B M High School in Patan, Gujarat. She did a Master of Performing Arts (MPA) in Indian Classical Dance (Bharatanatyam) at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat. Later, she did her PhD in Bharatanatyam under Dr Vyjayanthimala Bali. Neha then decided to do a filmmaking course in New York.
Neha Mehta during her teens
However, she did not pursue it as she got an offer for the Hindi TV serial ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ (2008). In 2000, she participated in the talent hunt show organised by Bhagwati Production, and she was the winner from Gujarat.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 5″
Hair Colour: Brown
Eye Colour: Brown
Family
She belongs to a Gujarati family.
Parents & Siblings
Her father is a renowned Gujarati songwriter and poet. Her mother is a singer and writer. She has a sister.
Neha Mehta with her family
Husband
She is unmarried.
Religion
She follows Hinduism.
Career
Theatre
She started her career as a theatre artist and appeared in many Hindi and Gujarati theatre plays like Sahebji, Masti Maze Ki Life, and Pratibimbh Ki Parchaai.
TV
Hindi
In 2001, she made her TV debut with the Zee TV serial ‘Dollar Bahu’ in which she played the role of Vaishali. She then appeared in a few other Hindi TV serials like ‘Bhabhi’ (2002; Star Plus) and ‘Raat Hone Ko Hai’ (2004; Sahara One). From 2008 to 2020, she appeared in the SAB TV serial ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.’
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah
She has also hosted the SAB TV show ‘Wah! Wah! Kya Baat Hai!’ (2012) along with the Indian actor & poet Shailesh Lodha.
Gujarati
In 2002, she made her Gujarati TV debut with the TV serial ‘Sau Dada Sasu Na’ as Anuradha. The serial was aired on Colors Gujarati.
Film
Hindi
Neha made her Bollywood debut with the film ‘EMI’ in which she played the role of Prerna’s friend.
Gujarati
She made her Gujarati film debut with ‘Janmo Janm’ (2001), which aired on Colors Gujarati. Some of her other Gujarati films are ‘Better Half’ (2010) and ‘Halkie Fulkee’ (2021).
Halkie Fulkee
According to some sources, she has also appeared in a few B-grade films.
Neha Mehta in a B-grade film
Other Work
She has appeared in a few print advertisements.
Neha Mehta as a model in a print advertisement
She has also endorsed Parsana Therapy Plate on her Instagram account.
Neha Mehta in Parsana Therapy Plate ad
Controversy
Accused of Non-Professional Behaviour
In 2020, she left the Hindi sitcom ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ (2008). In an interview, when Neha was asked about quitting the show after working in it for almost 12 years, she said that her fees were due to the makers, and they were not paying her fees. She even asked the producer of the sitcom Asit Kumarr Modi to clear her payments, but he delayed it. She said,
I acted in Taarak Mehta as Anjali for 12 years before quitting in 2020. The last six months’ money is pending. After I quit the show, I called them a few times regarding my pending dues. I don’t like complaining… hopefully, there will be a solution soon and I will get my hard-earned money.”
Later, in an interview, an official from Asit’s team said that Asit was upset over Neha’s remark and said that it was Neha who had left the show without informing them and stopped replying to their calls. The official said that as Neha did not complete the exit formalities, she was not eligible for a full and final settlement, and the makers were unhappy with her unprofessional behaviour.
Awards
- 2018: Glory of Gujarat Award
Neha Mehta’s award
- 2018: Indian Council of Social Welfare Glory of Gujarat Award
- 2019: Winner Indian Telly Award
- 2019: Gujarat Ratna Gaurav Award
Neha Mehta receiving Gujarat Ratna Gaurav Award
- 2019: Best Ensemble (Fiction) Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah
- 2021: Special mention GIFA
Facts/Trivia
- Some media sources named her Shweta Bhosle.
- She is a trained dancer and performs various dance forms like Indian classical dance and Garba.
Neha Mehta doing Garba
- Neha Mehta is a fitness enthusiast. She regularly practices yoga and follows a healthy diet.
Neha Mehta doing yoga aasan
- In 2019, she was featured on the cover of a Gujarati magazine.
Neha Mehta featured on a Gujarati magazine cover
- She is an avid animal lover and often posts pictures with dogs on her social media accounts.
Neha Mehta with a dog