Some characters don’t just make us laugh they slowly become a part of our daily life. Nattu Kaka is one such character who brought joy, comfort, and positivity to millions of homes through Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Every time he appeared on screen, his simple words and innocent expressions made people forget their stress and smile.
But behind this cheerful character was a man who had faced years of struggle Ghanshyam Nayak. His journey was not easy. He worked for decades without fame, earned very little money in the beginning, and still never gave up. His life story is a beautiful example of patience, passion, and true dedication.
Who is Nattu Kaka?
Nattu Kaka, whose full name is Natwarlal Prabhashankar Undhaiwala, is a fictional character from TMKOC. In the show, he works at Gada Electronics and is known for his honesty, loyalty, and emotional nature.
What makes him special is not just his comedy, but his simplicity. He speaks broken English, makes funny mistakes, and yet connects deeply with people. Many viewers feel like he is someone from their own family.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Character Name | Nattu Kaka |
| Real Name | Ghanshyam Nayak |
| Show | Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah |
| Role | Shop Manager |
| Known For | Comedy & Emotional Acting |
Nattu Kaka Biography Overview Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ghanshyam Prabhakar Nayak |
| Nick Name | Nattu Kaka |
| Date of Birth | 12 May 1944 |
| Birthplace | Undhai, Gujarat |
| Profession | Actor, Singer, Dubbing Artist |
| Active Years | 1952 – 2021 |
| Death Date | 3 October 2021 |
| Age | 77 Years |
| Wife | Nirmaladevi Nayak |
| Children | 3 |
| Famous Role | Nattu Kaka |
Nattu Kaka Age & Birthday
Ghanshyam Nayak was born on 12 May 1944 and lived for 77 years. Even when his health was not good, he continued acting with full dedication. For him, acting was not just work it was his life and passion.
Early Life & Education Background of Nattu Kaka
Ghanshyam Nayak was born in a small village in Gujarat where life was simple and peaceful. His father was connected to theatre, so from a young age, he saw performances and developed interest in acting.
Later, he moved to Mumbai for his education. While studying, he got his first exposure to theatre and acting. These small experiences slowly shaped his dream. Even though he did not have big opportunities at the start, his love for acting kept him going.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Undhai, Gujarat |
| School | Panel High School, Mumbai |
| Education | Higher Secondary |
| Interest | Acting & Theatre |
Nattu Kaka Height, Weight & Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches |
| Weight | Around 55–65 kg |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (later white) |
| Body Type | Slim |
His simple appearance and natural expressions made him relatable to every viewer.
Nattu Kaka Family Background

Ghanshyam Nayak belonged to a simple middle class family. His father’s connection with theatre influenced him deeply. Life was not easy, but his family always supported him in his journey.
Even after becoming famous, he remained grounded and never forgot his roots. His life shows how important family support is during difficult times.
| Relation | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Prabhakar Nayak |
| Wife | Nirmaladevi Nayak |
| Son | Vikas Nayak |
| Daughters | Two |
Nattu Kaka Wife & Relationships
Ghanshyam Nayak was married to Nirmaladevi Nayak, who stood by him in every phase of life. During his struggling years and even during his illness, she supported him silently.
Their relationship was simple but strong. While he worked hard in the industry, she took care of the family and gave him emotional strength.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Nirmaladevi Nayak |
| Children | 3 |
Nattu Kaka Career Journey

Beginning as a Child Artist
Ghanshyam Nayak started his career at a very young age with the film Masoom. It was a small role, but it gave him a start in the film industry.
Years of Struggle
After his first film, life was not easy. For many years, he worked in small roles and struggled to earn money. There were times when he earned only a few rupees a day. Still, he did not give up and kept working hard.
Theatre and Learning Phase
He spent many years doing theatre. Stage performances helped him improve his acting skills, expressions, and confidence. This phase became the foundation of his strong acting career.
Breakthrough with Nattu Kaka
In 2008, he got the role of Nattu Kaka in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. This role changed his life completely. From being a struggling actor, he became a household name across India.
Film Career
| Film Title | Year | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masoom | 1960 | Child Artist | Hindi |
| Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam | 1999 | Supporting | Hindi |
| Khakee | 2004 | Tailor | Hindi |
| Ishq | 1997 | Shopkeeper | Hindi |
| Krantiveer | 1994 | Supporting | Hindi |
| Tere Naam | 2003 | Minor Role | Hindi |
| Gujarati Films | 1960–2010 | Various Roles | Gujarati |
TV Career
| Show Name | Role Played | Years Active | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah | Nattu Kaka | 2008–2021 | 600+ |
| Sarabhai vs Sarabhai | Vitthal Kaka | 2004–2006 | ~69 |
| Saarrthi | Ghanu Kaka | 2004–2008 | Not Known |
| Dill Mill Gayye | Patient | 2007 | Guest |
Nattu Kaka Theatre to Television Journey
His journey from theatre to television was slow but strong. Theatre taught him everything about acting, and television gave him recognition. This combination made him a powerful performer.
Nattu Kaka Late Success Story
One of the most inspiring things about his life is that he became famous at an older age. After working for many years, he finally got success in his 60s. This shows that success does not depend on age but on hard work.
Real Life vs Reel Life Similarity
Ghanshyam Nayak’s real personality was very similar to Nattu Kaka. He was simple, kind, and hardworking in real life too. That is why his acting always felt natural and real.
“Salary Badhao” Dialogue – Real Story
His famous “salary badhao” dialogue became popular because it felt real. In his early life, he struggled financially, so these dialogues came from his real experiences.
Audience’s Comfort Character
Nattu Kaka became a comfort character for many viewers. His presence made people feel happy and relaxed. He was not just funny but also emotionally connecting.
Worked Even During Pandemic
Even during COVID-19 and his illness, he continued working and shooting. This shows how much he loved acting and how dedicated he was to his work.
Nattu Kaka Last Wish
He once said that he wanted to die with makeup on. This shows how deeply he loved acting and wanted to stay connected to it till his last breath.
Controversy
There were a few reports after his death about issues on set, but overall, he was known as a humble and respectful person throughout his life.
Nattu Kaka Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2021 | ₹2–3 Crore |
Awards & Recognitions
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fan Love | Massive |
| Industry Respect | High |
| Theatre Recognition | Strong |
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Status |
|---|---|
| Limited | |
| Limited | |
| Not Active |
Favourite Things
| Category | Favourite |
|---|---|
| Food | Pao Bhaji |
| Hobby | Acting |
| Interest | Theatre |
Lesser Known Facts about Nattu Kaka
- Nattu Kaka started acting as a child artist
- Nattu struggled for more than 40 years
- Kaka earned only ₹3 per day in early life
- Nattu Kaka worked in 350+ TV shows
- Nattu dubbed 350+ films
- Kaka became famous at an older age
- Nattu Kaka continued working during illness
- Nattu Kaka lived a simple and humble life
FAQs
Who was Nattu Kaka?
Nattu Kaka was a popular TV character played by Ghanshyam Nayak.
What was his age?
He was 77 years old.
Why is he famous?
He is famous for his role in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
Conclusion
Ghanshyam Nayak’s life is not just a success story it is a lesson in patience and dedication. From struggling for years to becoming a legend, his journey inspires everyone.
Even today, when we watch Nattu Kaka on screen, he makes us smile. And that smile is his true legacy.
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