Gurucharan Singh, widely known for his role as Roshan Singh Sodhi in the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, recently made headlines after being missing for 25 days. The actor returned home on May 17, and in an interview, he opened up about his mysterious absence, diet changes, financial struggles, upcoming projects, and more.
Gurucharan revealed that he embarked on an unplanned spiritual journey, leaving on April 22. He missed his return flight to Mumbai and did not inform anyone of his whereabouts. Reflecting on his sudden disappearance, he said, “I had no idea where I was going. My phone was off, and I didn’t have any means of communication.”
His journey took him to Shimla, where the cold weather made him feel unwell. “When I reached Shimla, it was very cold, and I felt sick. I saw a bus to Chandigarh and decided to take it,” he explained. Initially planning to travel from Shimla to the Himalayas, an unexpected incident led him to Chandigarh instead. He stayed at a Gurudwara and even spent a night at the railway station.
During his journey, Gurucharan visited various Gurudwaras. He shared, “I stayed in different Gurudwaras, and it was during the early mornings that I felt a deep connection with God.” He described an uplifting experience at a Gurudwara in Ludhiana, noting that despite his fatigue, he felt rejuvenated by the prayers and spiritual atmosphere.
Gurucharan spent his birthday at the Golden Temple, where he experienced profound internal changes while reciting prayers. He felt a unique power and resonance within him, deeply connecting with the spiritual messages being conveyed.
Discussing the reasons behind his disappearance, Gurucharan admitted, “Pain is a part of everyone’s life. But when you connect with God, all the pain fades away.” He revealed that he had been struggling with personal issues and professional failures for the past four years, which deeply hurt him. Despite these challenges, he decided against suicide, firmly believing that it was not a solution.
Gurucharan shared that he stopped consuming solid food on July 2 as part of a vow (mannat). While he refrains from eating solid food, he does accept prasad when offered, such as kadha prasad. Otherwise, he maintains a liquid diet.
With limited clothing, Gurucharan managed with just one T-shirt and a spare. He washed his clothes whenever possible, sometimes wearing them wet if they didn’t dry in time. He wore the same pair of trousers for 17 days without washing, a first for him. He prayed for strength and blessings for those living in similar conditions.
Gurucharan admitted that he initially had no intention of returning home. However, he eventually received a sign from God, prompting his return. Scheduled to fly from Delhi to Mumbai on April 22, he missed his flight and went missing until May 18. Upon his return, the police confirmed that he had been on a spiritual retreat to address personal issues.