‘TMKOC Scammed Iyer’: Fan Upset Over Tanuj Mahashabde’s Absence From NYC Independence Day 2026 Parade; Creator Asit Kumarr Modi Responds

The cast and crew of India’s long-running sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) recently travelled to New York to participate in the 2026 India Independence Day celebrations. While the team’s presence at the annual parade drew significant attention from the Indian diaspora, the absence of actor Tanuj Mahashabde, who plays Krishnan Subramaniam Iyer, sparked widespread discussion among fans online. Producer Asit Kumarr Modi has since addressed the growing fan concern regarding the travel arrangements. Dilip Joshi Breaks Silence on 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' Exit Rumours on Show's 18th Anniversary.

‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ Team Joins Independence Day 2026 Parade in New York

Members of the Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah team marched in the 2026 India Day Parade in New York to mark India's Independence Day celebrations. The parade, organised annually in Manhattan, sees major Indian cultural icons and celebrities participating to engage with overseas communities. Photos and videos of the cast members celebrating on the streets of New York quickly circulated across social media platforms, showing key members of the ensemble interacting with fans during the festivities.

Fan Outrage Over Iyer’s Repeated Exclusion From International Trips

Despite the celebratory nature of the trip, fans were quick to point out that Tanuj Mahashabde was not part of the contingent. A viral post on social media highlighted that Mahashabde, a core cast member since the show's inception in 2008, had also missed previous international outdoor shoots, including trips to Hong Kong Disneyland and Singapore.

Expressing disappointment over the pattern, the fan wrote, "TMKOC SCAMMED IYER. Iyer is part of TMKOC since it started (2008): didn't take him to HONG KONG Disneyland. Didn't take him to Singapore. And now even that TAPU (in Jethalal style woh kal ka aaya hua Tapu) who joined 2 years ago went to NEW YORK; the Sodhi who joined after COVID went to NEW YORK; still Iyer didn't. Every character went to either Hong Kong or Singapore. But Iyer didn't? Why? Feeling sad for Iyer"

‘TMKOC’ Fan Demanded Answers After Tanuj Mahashabde Aka Iyer Was Missing From Show’s NYC Event

TMKOC SCAMMED IYER 💔

lyer is the part of TMKOC since it started (2008):-

- didn't take him to HONG KONG Disneyland.

-didn't take him to Singapore.

- And now even that TAPU (in jethalal style woh kal ka aaya hua Tapu) who joined 2 years ago went to NEW YORK, the Sodhi who… pic.twitter.com/HdALko9nmI

— Jeet (@JeetN25) August 17, 2026

Producer Asit Kumarr Modi Clarifies the Situation

Responding to public criticism and speculation surrounding the actor's absence from the trip, showrunner and producer Asit Kumarr Modi clarified that the decision was not made by the production house.

Addressing the matter, Modi stated, "We always wish that we travel with him internationally but his personal beliefs do not allow him." Fact Check: Is Dilip Joshi Quitting ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’? Truth Behind Jethalal Exit Rumours.

Why Wasn’t Iyer at the TMKOC’s NYC Parade? Asit Kumarr Modi Explains

We always wish that we travel with him internationally but his personal beliefs do not allow him.

— Asit Kumarr Modi (@AsitKumarrModi) August 17, 2026

Krishnan Iyer’s Legacy on ‘TMKOC’

Tanuj Mahashabde’s portrayal of Krishnan Subramaniam Iyer, a scientist living in the fictional Gokuldham Society, has been a pillar of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah since its launch in July 2008. His character’s playful, ongoing rivalry with Jethalal Champaklald Gada (played by Dilip Joshi) remains one of the central comedic dynamics of the show, earning Mahashabde a loyal fan base over the last 18 years.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2026 11:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).