Ahemedabad: The 88 year old popular Gujarati humourist Taarak Mehta, who inspired the top rated comedy show on SAB TV 'Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chash', passed away on Wednesday morning after prolonged illness.

His family confirmed the news of his death. The family also plans to donate Mehta's body to science.

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A relative of the writer, Atul Bhatt said: "He died of old age." Bhatt is a doctor.

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Mehta's famous works include "Duniya Ne Undha Chasma", which inspired the hit 'SAB TV' sitcom . He has also written six popular Gujarati plays.

Born in December 26, 1929, Mehta was honoured with Padma Shri in 2015.

IANS