The show highlights their romance through jealousy-driven plots. Iyer often tries to prove his romantic worth to Babita, sometimes leading to elaborate surprises or vacations that occasionally backfire, adding a realistic yet humorous layer to their marital life. The Traditional Romance: Taarak and Anjali Mehta
The show revolves around several families, each representing a unique cultural and marital dynamic.
Aatmaram Tukaram Bhide (the society secretary) and Madhavi Bhide represent the quintessential struggles and joys of a middle-class Indian couple.
Their relationship is defined by their shared love for food and their jolly, "Sahi Baat Hai" outlook on life.
and his wife Komal are a unique couple. Dr. Hathi is the food-loving, gentle giant of the society, while Komal is often seen trying to control his diet and habits.
Their romantic track often revolves around rekindling the "old spark" that gets lost in the responsibilities of parenthood (daughter Sonu). While theirs was an arranged marriage, the show has done special episodes where they tried to recreate their first meeting and the initial days of their romance.
One of the most enduring, running romantic gags on Indian television is Jethalal’s innocent, one-sided infatuation with his neighbor, Babita Iyer.
The romantic storylines in TMKOC succeed because they prioritize . Unlike typical Indian daily soaps that rely on betrayal, infidelity, or intense family rivalry, this show presents marriages that are resilient, affectionate, and grounded in community support. Romance is expressed through small gestures—sharing a cup of tea, defending a spouse during a society dispute, or laughing together at life's absurdities—making the relationships deeply relatable to millions of viewers.
The genius of TMKOC lies in its portrayal of marriage not as a perfect fairytale, but as a partnership of opposites. The show uses contrasting personalities to drive both humor and life lessons.
Perhaps the most famous "crush" in Indian television history is Jethalal’s innocent infatuation with his neighbor, Babita Iyer.
