Their romance is built on cultural friction and ultimate compromise. Iyer is a strict, disciplined, sambar -loving South Indian, while Babita is fashionable, fun-loving, and a fish-fry enthusiast. Their arguments are legendary—from Iyer complaining about Babita wearing a sleeveless blouse to Babita mocking Iyer’s obsession with geometry in cooking.

The titular character, Taarak Mehta, and his wife Anjali represent the "modern" mature couple. Their relationship is characterized by Taarak’s role as the "Fire Brigade" (problem solver) and Anjali’s obsession with his health. While the "diet food" battles provide constant humor, their bond is rooted in deep intellectual companionship. Anjali is Taarak’s primary confidante and muse, representing a partnership where health and well-being are the primary languages of love. The Bickering Partners: Bhide and Madhavi

Furthermore, the show faces a structural curse: In TMKOC, nothing can ever change. Tapu cannot grow up; Popatlal cannot get married; Daya cannot return permanently; and Jethalal cannot get over Babita. If any of these romantic storylines resolved, the show would end.

She never laughed at his bald head. When he recited his shayari, she didn’t cringe—she said, “ Bahut khoob, Popat bhai. Thoda aur likho. ”

It’s never portrayed as malicious or threatening to his marriage. Instead, it’s a source of situational comedy. Jethalal’s desperate attempts to impress Babita—often involving broken English or expensive gifts—usually backfire, leading to "Aiyyo!" moments from her husband, Krishnan Iyer.

Some notable romantic storylines include:

If TMKOC has a "romantic lead," it is the hapless, high-strung journalist Popatlal. His storyline is the show’s longest-running gag: a 45+ year old man desperate for a bride, who has been engaged or close to marriage over 40 times, only to fail at the altar every single time.